Issues of group mangement within a mixed ability class
ISSUES OF GROUP MANAGEMENT AND DIFFERENTIATION WITHIN A MIXED ABILITY CLASS Why did I choose this Title for my Personal Study? ... In order to satisfy the requirements of the 7307 I needed to enroll a class of students. In order to do this I contacted my local Sure Start group and offered my services free. Within a short space of time I received news, at least ten people interested in the course. ... The thing I had not prepared for was the diversity of the class. The mixed circumstances, personalities, abilities and attitudes demanded that each student received individual and appropriate consideration. The very nature of the class meant that a certain amount of differentiation occurred naturally within the teaching. ... The Class The main body of the group was made up of young mums, with minimal experience of IT (mainly school and home). ... They did show embarrassment and lack of confidence upon joining the class. ... Only certain points could be covered as a whole class and very often the same points would need to be covered again individually. ... On reflection I think this method proved very advantageous both to me and the class. ... The lesson then continued with a tutor led, step-by-step guide for the whole class. As the whole class achieved Internet access the lesson then proceeded once again in workshop style. ... This also proved very informative end enjoyable and encouraged class participation. ... These worksheets were designed to be completed within a time limit. ... The atmosphere within the classroom became more intensive and although students tried their best no one managed to complete the papers in the allotted time. ... • The class must have a clear indication as to what students are expected to know and demonstrate as a result of the learning experience. ... Independent work is preferred by some while others like to work as part of A group. ... An example of using differentiation within a mixed ability class. The Learning and Skills Development Agency consulted Lin Armstrong, a lecturer in Child care studies at North Warwickshire and Hinckley College and asked her to conduct an experiment to see how differentiation did or didn’t work within a mixed ability class. ... • Students encouraged to ask questions and discuss issues with class. • Students paired up and given specific homework aspects to report back to the class. • Students split into small groups working on different aspects and reporting back to the class. ... Many different activities were going on within one classroom. ... How might the concept of differentiation help/have help me within my teaching of ITC to an adult mixed ability class? My study of differentiation has allowed me to recognise how the learning and teaching experience within my teaching practice could have benefited from its use.