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[Fatcat]

Hello all. I have just started a new semester of ESL here in the States teaching adults. The problem is that they're mixed beginners. There's 2 ladies that are almost intermediate (they knew 'to be' in and out and could understand most of what I asked them and could speak fairly okay), one lady that's not as knowledgeable as those two and then there's about 4 other adults who are low beginners and barely know how to say hello. So, what's the best way to approach this? This is also a very informal class and I never know who is going to show up. How do I plan my lessons to keep everyone interested but not overwhelmed or bored? I got through the first class by pairing up the ones who knew more with the lower level ones and had them do mini interviews, but how will I teach grammar, etc.

This is just totally different for me because I'm used to having everyone at about the same level. Thanks for any help!

[jillford64]

Two references that are good are:

1. Teaching Large Multilevel Classes by Natalie Hess, which is part of the Cambridge Handbooks for Language Teachers series edited by Penny Ur. Obviously, this book is geared for large classes but you can modify for smaller classes.

2. Teaching Multilevel Classes in ESL by Jill Bell

Some quick suggestions:
1. Teach using themes/topics that are relevant to your students rather than with a singular textbook. Develop theme related tasks that are different for each ability level.
2. Use the "accordian" approach - whole class, break students apart (individually, pairs, small groups), whole class. Be sure to start and end with whole class work no matter how many times you break apart.
3. Use a variety of grouping methods besides just ability level.
4. Use "self access" materials. Students of one ability level can access materials and work on thier own while you work with students of another ability level
5. Use cloze dictation or information gap activities for whole group exercises that are tailored for the different ability levels.
6. Use collaborative writing activities and interview activities that pair higher level students with lower level students.
7. Use games that require team support or board or card games where the players can assist each other.

If you'd like more explanation of the above and a lot more informatioin than I've quickly provided here, PM me with your email and I will send you a pdf document with some really good information. Good luck.

[Cdaniels]

[jillford64]

Working as a whole class develops the atmosphere of classroom community despite diversity of ability levels. An activity such as talking about a visual stimulus allows each student to contribute at their own level so they feel part of the group. Mixing whole class with group work enhances classroom community because the students get to know each other on a more personal level as they work together. Beginning and ending the lesson with the whole class just enhances the feeling of unity.

Does that makes sense? I'm sorry it has taken me so long to respond.