Differentiation & Getting the Most from your Mixed Ability Classes

Since the onset of the LINUS module, we have all faced a similar challenge in our classes.  The LINUS module may be easy for some students, yet challenging for others.  How can we cope with a gap in student ability?  Please take a look at this content and be prepared to discuss on my next visit.

So, how can we address mixed ability classes?  The answer is differentiation.  Differentiation is how you adjust to meet the needs of your students.  There arethree categories for differentiation:

• differentiation by task (setting different tasks for pupils of different abilities)
• differentiation by support (giving more help to certain pupils within the group)
• differentiation by outcome (setting open-ended tasks and allowing pupil response at different levels)

Try a practical approach to differentiation by planning your class activities with different ability levels in mind.  As teachers, we never know exactly if our activities are going to be successful, so always plan a back-up activities for your above-average and below-average pupils.

On a final note, remember that all classes are mixed ability because they all have different experiences in life.   

-Sarah Higgs, Jempol