Student: Michael Curtin Week: 2

Classes Observed: 6th Year DCG Topic: Project Portfolio

Mixed Ability Classes

This week, Ive noticed a very wide range of abilities within the classroom. Although I am still working
primarily with the two ordinary level students, I have been giving some help to those doing higher level
also. It is not however, just the teachers who are providing the learning in this class, it is the students
themselves. There is a great sense of community and friendship in this class, and as a result peer teaching
is very evident. This has made me wonder about mixed ability classes and their advantages.

Mixed ability or heterogeneous classes are terms used to describe classes made up of students of
different levels of proficiency (Ma, 2011). Georgina Ma explains that there are numerous characteristics
and factors that can make up a single class, for example: intelligence, learning style, cultural background,
maturity, and motivation which I discussed last week (Ma, 2011). Conor Feehan, suggests that students
left in a mixed-ability environment actually do better than those who have been grouped according to the
hierarchy of test results (Feehan, 2007). The National Council for Curriculum and Assessment (NCCA)
states in a report into the subject that in streamed schools students in the lower streams experience a
loss of self-esteem and develop more negative attitudes towards teachers and the school (NCCA, 2004,
P.11). The report also found that it was not just the weaker students who suffered as a result of streaming,
but students in the top streams were found to have faced difficulties in trying to cope with academic
pressure (NCCA, 2004, P.11). Interestigly , the report also highlights students preference in relation to
different parts of the curriculum. Students prefr subjects with a practical orientation, such as Art and
Materails Technology Wood (NCCA, 2004, P.12). Cohen also suggests that mixed ability teaching can help
build mutual respect, support, understanding and tolerance between students (Cohen, 2004). Hemmons
supports this view by stating that mixed ability grouping affords students the opportunity to learn about
and accept differences (Hemmons, 2014).

In conclusion, it is clear to see that mixed ability classes are extremely advantageous, not only for the
weaker students but also the more gifted. Although, the NCCA, report showed that teachers would prefer
to teach a streamed class, it is in the best interest that students of all abilities remain within the same
classroom, for a more holistic learning experience.

Bibliography
Cohen, L., 2004. A Guide to Teaching Practice. London: RoutledgeFalmer.

Feehan, C., 2007. Why streaming doesn't work. [Online]

Available at: http://www.independent.ie/life/family/learning/why-streaming-doesnt-work-26328537.html

Hemmons, E., 2014. Mixed-Ability Grouping: Advantages & Disadvantages. [Online]

Available at: http://study.com/academy/lesson/mixed-ability-grouping-advantages-disadvantages.html

Ma, G., 2011. Teaching Tips - Mixed Ability Classes. [Online]

Available at: http://www.witslanguageschool.com/NewsRoom/ArticleView/tabid/180/ArticleId/58/Teaching-Tips-Mixed-
Ability-Classes.aspx

NCCA, N. C. f. C. a. A., 2004. NCCA commentary on ESRI research into curriculum, Dublin: NCCA.