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

Continued Professional Development in Maran, Luit

Today the Luit branch of Maran cluster conducted a CPD session at the local PPD. Our workshop was titled "Teacher's Toolbox: Creating Fun, Interactive Lessons" and we discussed ways to implement a variety of ideas and skills that would make lessons both more interesting and more productive. We learned how to clearly define objectives as well as how to define the relative success of activities and lessons through various criteria. Most of all, we learned the importance of creativity, variation, balance, and discipline in lesson planning schemes. We hope that this will contribute greatly to more interactive, productive, and most of all fun, lessons. Thank you everyone for the participation and hard work that made this CPD so successful!

Mr Shahrul and Mr Harry workin' it out

Ms Tan Poh Ling's dedication dazzles

Brainstorming for Readin' lessons

Ms Aiza and Ms Hariani working hard

The Outlaws

Ms Nazihah and Ms Tan Poh Ling generating ideas

Having fun, Ladies?

Fun at SK Chedong Jaya

Residual Hari Raya festivities, singing and dancing (limping) with Year 1 pupils, exotic fruits, and new friends. It's just another day at a spectacular school. Thanks to the staff for all their support, and to the mentees for all their hard work!

Learning how to shake hands with Ms Hasmawani

unprepared for the camera -with MTPs

exotic fruit experiments