What is a Multi-level ESL class?

Multi-level classrooms are as varied as the students in them. Most often, they include students who communicate in English at a variety of different levels. They may also be considered multi-level because they include students with different types of leaing backgrounds, such as those who have leaed orally and those who have leaed mainly from a textbook. Students may also have different levels of literacy in their own native language. A classroom that contains some students who are familiar with the Roman alphabet and some students who are not may also be considered multi-level. Finally, the term multi-level can be used to refer to a group of students working together who range greatly in age.

Advantages and Challenges of Teaching Multi-level Classes

When faced with the challenge of a multi-level classroom many teachers do not know where to start. They fear that the preparation will take much longer, and that the students will be more demanding. Schools that have multi-level classes often have limited budgets, and teachers may fear that they will not be paid for what they are worth. However, it is only by looking at the advantages of the multi-level classroom and employing strategies to overcome the challenges, that teachers can achieve success.

Advantages of Multi-level classrooms

• Students are able to lea at their own pace
• Students lea to work well in a group
• Students become independent leaers
• Students develop strong relationships with their peers
• Students become partners in leaing

Challenges of Multi-level classrooms

• Finding appropriate teaching resources and material
• Organizing appropriate groupings within the class
• Building an effective self-access centre in the classroom
• Determining the individual needs of each student
• Ensuring that all students are challenged and interested
• Enforcing English only policies when teacher is occupied and students are working in small groups or pairs