This document discusses strategies for teaching mixed-ability classes. It defines mixed-ability classes as those with students having differences in language learning ability, speed, style, personality and more. Teaching such classes can frustrate both students and teachers. However, the document recommends using discussion and needs analysis to understand students' abilities and perspectives, establish expectations, and build a cooperative learning environment. Specifically, it suggests analyzing students' self-reflections, ranking approaches, and creating a student contract to guide lesson planning.

1. Discussion & Needs Analysis
in
Teaching Mixed-ability Class
Written by Gareth Rees, teacher/teacher trainer
London Metropolitan University, UK
Prepared by Anastasia
1208066047

2. Table of Content
1. What is Mixed-Ability Class
2. Problems in Teaching Mixed-
ability Class
3. Strategies to Overcome the
Problems
4. About Discussion and Needs
Analysis
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3. Mixed-ability Class
It is a class of learners who display
a number of differences in their…
• Language learning ability.
• Learning speed.
• Learning style.
• Personality features
• Etc.
3

4. The Problem
• Students frustrated
 Stronger students held back
 Weaker students pressured.
• Teacher stressed
 suitable materials
 effective learning tasks
 involved and motivated students
4

5. Strategies to Overcome
1. Discussion and needs analysis
2. Students self-awareness
3. Work grouping
4. Range of tasks
5. Extra work/home work
6. Student nomination
7. Error correction
5

6. Needs Analysis
Student’s reflection
QUESTIONS
Class activities, language skill, etc.
Students compare the answer
COLLECT & PREPARE
6

7. Explain and Discuss
• Explain the mixed-level
situation
• Students rank the
approaches/ideas
• Make a Student Contract
• Tell them what we are going to
do
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8. Conclusion
• Teaching a class of mixed-ability
can be very challenging
• Use Discussion and Needs
Analysis
• Sense of shared community in the
class
• Knowing what to expect students
will cooperate.
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