Job Discussion Forums

perdita · Joined: 16 Apr 2005 Posts: 11 Location: where am i?

Any suggestions for activities to use with a class of 2 people with different L1 backgrounds and vastly different English levels? One student is near fluent and really just needs conversation and a bit of work on his accent, while the other, well, has a lot farther to come in terms of developing her English abilities. I am finding it quite a challenge to engage both students at the same time and would love to hear some ideas....

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

The general rule is...don't teach them together. Too many hassles.

Some people will tell you to try getting the higher level one to help you with the lower level one, but that has its flaws, too.

dyak · Joined: 25 Jun 2003 Posts: 630

Read this thread:

http://www.eslcafe.com/forums/job/viewtopic.php?t=21833

perdita · Joined: 16 Apr 2005 Posts: 11 Location: where am i?

Thanks for the replies. That thread provided quite a bit of conflicting information! My situation is quite a bit different, however, in that I am teaching two adults with rather high expectations who aren't keen on wasting their time. Breaking up the time/class is not an option unfortunately. Thanks anyway for the help.

cheers
'dita

Glenski · Joined: 15 Jan 2003 Posts: 12844 Location: Hokkaido, JAPAN

perdita,
My own wife (Japanese) was in an identical situation. She wanted the safety and security of taking a private class with someone she knew, so her girlfriend signed up with her. The teacher pretty much lied by telling them he could teach to both of their levels (vastly different). After 2 lessons, they quit because he failed to deliver.

Break them up if it's at all possible.