Promoting
Success of Multilevel ESL Classes:
What
Teachers and Administrators Can Do
Context
· Many
ESL programs serve too few students to separate the various skill levels.
Challenges
· Level
of skill in the L1 may affect the progress of ESL learning.
· Students
may segregate by English skill level within the class causing learning difficulties
for some.
· The
age category of the students may affect how students react to varying skill
levels in the classroom.
· Cultural
ideologies of the students may also dictate how certain learners are accepted/treated
within the classroom.
Instructional Strategies
· Needs
Assessment help the teacher determine student needs and desires regarding ESL
learning to adjust the course content to meet the needs.
· Planning
parallel lessons of various skill levels may help address multilevel ESL Classes.
· Grouping
strategies can be used to keep different skill levels learning together or mix
levels for possible mentoring of lower skilled students.
· L1
usage may be helpful for less advanced students to help clarify and increase
understanding.
· Project-based
learning allows students to group themselves by interest in specific projects
instead of by English skill level.
· Self-access
materials of various skill levels allow students to do individual work at their
English skill level.
Administrative Support
· Consider
the program design including financial limitations, number of students,
teachers’ experience, and access to volunteers and tutors.
· Experienced
teachers are needed for multilevel classes and they can benefit from volunteers
to help with the higher skill level students.
· Communicate
explicitly with students regarding the multilevel nature of the class.
· Professional
development and support for teachers is essential in all teaching situations,
but especially for multilevel class teachers. Extra planning time and materials
are necessary to organize and teach in a multilevel setting.
From Mathews-Aydinli, J. & Van Horne. (April
2006-02). Promoting success of multilevel ESL classes: What teachers and
administrators can do. Retrieved from
http://www.cal.org/caela/esl_resources/briefs/multilevel.pdf
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