Suggested techniques
After numerous experiments and efforts, the flipped classroom technique has proven to be effective.
The main pedagogical philosophy underlying flipped classroom emphasises the importance of relocating
the main stages of teaching and learning processes, whereby the elements of the traditional classroom
lecturing and homework done by students afterwards, outside the classroom, are reversed (Gavranovic,
2017). The technique levels out the academic difference and provides the opportunity to construct more
inclusive lessons. It is especially relevant to classes where academic difference is huge, and the teacher’s
mission of involving students to the planned activities is definitely a failure.
Open tasks that students proceed at their own pace and perform according to their level are another
effective activity for mixed-ability classes. Different types of projects are representatives of open and
creative tasks. Moreover, in addition to the academic component, open tasks develop other important skills
such as creativity, communication, collaboration, critical thinking etc.
Other measures include differentiating difficulty level of tasks and differentiated instructions for
one difficulty level of tasks. Each of the measures has some difficulty in implementation. First one forces
advanced students to do more difficult tasks which is a questionable measure for students’ motivation. The
second one engages diverse students and implement inclusive activities, however, quite advanced teaching
skills are needed to prepare and conduct this type of class.
Teaching is a very individual and personalised professional activity. Even in the same frame of curriculum
and assessment lessons will vary since teachers’ perspective, background, preferences and vision of teaching
are different. Teachers are also diverse. Therefore, approaches to teaching of mixed ability classes should
be different.
Conclusion
Teaching mixed-ability classes is challenging, but beneficial both for teachers and students. Diversity
is a natural, enriching and overall positive phenomenon in the world and it should stay the same in the
classrooms. Instead of teaching one group of students and making students who do not belong in vain
adapt to this single group, there is a more attractive perspective to explore students, learn new strategies
and design very effective and constructive lessons.
Bibliography:
1. Bremner, S., Teacher, C., & Lanarkshire, S. (2008). Some thoughts on teaching a mixed ability
class. Scottish languages review, 18(1), p1-10.
2. Burris, C. C., & Garrity, D. T. (2008). Detracking for excellence and equity. ASCD.
3. Burris, E. R., Detert, J. R., & Chiaburu, D. S. (2008). Quitting before leaving: the mediating effects of
psychological attachment and detachment on voice. Journal of applied psychology, 93(4), 912.
4. Cohen, E. G., & Lotan, R. A. (1997). Working for equity in heterogeneous classrooms: Sociological theory
in practice. Teachers College Press.
5. Gavranović, V. (2017). Enhancing Learners Autonomy Through Flipped Classes. In Sinteza 2017-
International Scientific Conference on Information Technology and Data Related Research (pp. 498-502).
Singidunum University.
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