Mixed Ability Classes

MEP Monographs

by Luke Prodromou

The difficulties and frustrations of teaching in mixed ability situations are felt perenially in classrooms all over the world. This book looks at the complex range of issues relating to these problems in a way that is designed to be both awareness-raising and confidence-building. With a mixture of general discussion, practical advice and ready-to-use classroom ideas, the book covers issues ranging from classroom management to the nurturing of self-esteem. The nature of "good" and "bad" language trainers is discussed as a background to a deeper understanding of the role of the teacher. This is followed by practical activities ranging from "closed" exercises to quizzes and puzzles. Each chapter has suggestions for further reading. Much is based on the author's practical teaching experience with large, mixed ability classes and there are many practical examples to both illuminate the thinking and to try out.

176 pages, Hardcover

First published September 2, 1992

About the author

As well as being a keynote speaker at numerous international conferences I have trained teachers in over 25 countries around the world and worked for the British Council, Greece, as a teacher and teacher trainer between 1977 and 2000. I have published articles in ELT journals and written over twenty textbooks including Dealing with Difficulties with Lindsay Clandfield; the book won the Ben Warren Prize for 2006 and an English Speaking Union Award for 2007. I obtained my Ph.D from the University of Nottingham and am also a graduate of Bristol, Birmingham and Leeds Universities. I teach young learners in a private language institute in Thessaloniki and am an associate tutor on the MA TESOL at the University of Leicester.