what are some strategies for dealing with mix level classes?

Answer 1

Divide the group into pairs or fours for project work. In this situation its easier to find the leader students.The leader students will help the lower level students to study within their group.If it is a language class,this is even more important.Pair work is useful here, Leader student - Lower student. A buzz group is also a good Idea as the level of knowledge increases within each group as the students rotate around the room.16 students= 4 groups of 4 --- rotate into buzz mode,every 1/2 hour.Each student learns and picks up new knowledge before moving on to the next group of four. The last part of the lesson should be carried over into teach / drill / repeat, mode and finally plenary action for group feedback,this is the part where slower students have a chance to reflect upon their new knowledge, whilst higher students can delight in their supervisory skills.

Answer 2

When I was in high school ancient Latin (I think it had 2 different grades in the same class room), the teacher saw fit to have me do some independent study as I was in a league of my own. Also separating the ones who are at a higher level of learning from those who are at a lower level of learning, giving each group level appropriate material. Most classrooms in my child's school have at least 2 grades, so in a way the lower grades can learn from the upper grades for subjects taught together or even a student who knows more can help with those who know less. Another school I visited when checking schools for my child said that they taught each student according to their level of work. Each student had a place where they could go to face the wall (like a cubicle) where they could do their work and facilitate the learning process. I would venture to think each student also progresses at a different speed, no matter what, whether it's because of motivation or how much attention a student can mentally or physically give to the subject(s), or how much time is spent on the subject(s). Some students can be caught up to ones on higher levels quickly, while others may take longer and a different method of teaching style and motivation and harder work, while yet others may not catch up at all. Some subjects can be taught to multiple levels leaving the student's understanding up to that particular student's level at the time, whereas some subjects will have to be divided up by giving some students level appropriate materials while teaching the other groups at a level and speed with a style that is appropriate for them.

Answer 3

I taught creative writing to high schoolers.

The best thing I ever did was avoid looking at who was in what level. I forgot they were 9th,10th, and so on. They were just students. Some were into it and others were not. They all had their strengths and weaknesses, just as any other class did.