managing the multi-level classroom marie-christine léger pedagogical consultant
TRANSCRIPT
Managing the multi-level
classroom
Marie-Christine LégerPedagogical consultant
Workshop outline
Defining the multi-level classroom
Sharing ideas and material
The reality
Classroom management
Resources and LESs
Definition of a multi-level classroom
The multi-level classroom is best defined by a group of students of different ages united in one class for learning or organisational
purposes.
Ice breaker
What are the biggest challenges you found with multi-level classrooms?
Do you have any great ideas or solutions?
Advantages for students
Much more student-centered
Students are much more autonomous
Allows for mutual-aid, collaboration and cooperation (dyads, tutoring, cooperative work,…)
Students have to develop their sens of initiative and spontaneity.
Allows students to progress at their own rate.
Advantages for teachers
You will develop new ways of differentiating throughout your career. These new skills will also help you in regular classes with students with learning difficulties.
Your teaching will change as your students become more autonomous.
The more the students participate in their learning, the more motivated they will get!
An interesting statistic
In 91% of the studies done on the subject, students from multi-level classes succeeded as much or even more as students in regular classrooms. The greatest progress was observed in languages and reading skills.
Success factors
Planning
Organisation and classroom management
Access to a variety of resources
Support from the principal
Priority #1ADevelop a good climate and focus on classroom
management
(respect and mutual-aid)
Safe Zone (paint a red line on the floor at the entrance of the class)
Present the class rules (post them, students mime them, etc.)
Have a clear system for discipline and make sure the students know it!
Use a Calmometer or a Yacker Tracker
Yacker Tracker!
Priority #1BHelp students become more autonomous
Post the material the students will need for class or for the task
Post the Menu of the Day on the board
Allow students to have access to self-correction booklets and enrichment material
Prepare a strategy booklet for each student
Use My Cooperative Clock for team work
Srategy booklet
My cooperative clock
12
6
39
1
2
4
57
8
10
11
Finding some time to work with a group of students
Use a Menu of the day chart
Carrousel workshops (1 meeting/6 workshops).
Tree workshops
See J.Caron article:
Vingt façons et plus de récupérer du temps en classe
In their spare time…
Crossword puzzles and word searches
Word games
Riddles
Sentences to correct on the board
Silent reading
Enrichment booklets
The secret to success: Planning
Short and long term global planning
Always have a pedagogical intent behind each activity
Let your students know your intent!
The better planned you’ll be, the more secure you will feel
The program
Essential knowledge
Problem with grade 2/3 multi-level classes
My recommendations
Use LESs as much as you can
Use only one activity book
Careful planning
Use everything available for classroom management
Have fun!!!!
Resources
Your pedagogical advisors
www.eslinsight.qc.ca
www.speaq.qc.ca Les Éditions de l’Envolée (Éditions «À REPRODUIRE»)
List of websites (École Branchée)
Your comments…
Thanks for your participation!
Marie-Christine Léger
Commission scolaire des Hautes-Rivières
(450) 359-6411 # 7307