Teaching ESL in a Multilevel Classroom. Adult Education Series #13. Refugee Education Guide.

Adult refugee English as a second language (ESL) programs are often mandated to serve all who sign up for instruction, a requirement that results in multilevel classes. This guide describes and discusses this and other factors which contribute to the existence of multilevel and/or heterogeneous classes, and provides some practical approaches and techniques for dealing with them. The first section describes four factors in heterogeneous classes and indicates methods for dealing with them. The factors discussed are: open entry-open exit programs, the grouping of literate and non-literate students in the same class, wide age differences in the same class, and the mixing of different cultural groups. The second section outlines six sets of approaches, techniques, and activities and describes how and when they can be used to best advantage. The approaches discussed are: (1) ice-breakers to help decrease possible feelings of inferiority or insecurity on the part of weaker students; (2) grouping according to skill abilities; (3) using aides and volunteers effectively; (4) treating each class session as an independent unit or module; (5) organizing the classroom as a resource lab; and (6) a variety of class exercises under the headings of language experience stories, strip stories, and cloze procedure. A list of selected readings and resources for activities and games completes the guide. (AMH)