Managing the multi-level classroom

1. Managing the multi-level classroom Marie-Christine Léger Pedagogical consultant

2. Workshop outline • Defining the multi-level classroom • Sharing ideas and material • The reality • Classroom management • Resources and LESs

3. 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.

4. Ice breaker • What are the biggest challenges you found with multi-level classrooms? • Do you have any great ideas or solutions?

5. 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.

6. 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!

7. 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.

8. Success factors • Planning • Organisation and classroom management • Access to a variety of resources • Support from the principal

9. Priority #1A Develop 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 

10. Yacker Tracker!

11. Priority #1B Help 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

12. Srategy booklet

13. My cooperative clock 12 11 1 2 10 3 9 4 8 5 7 6

14. 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

15. In their spare time… • Crossword puzzles and word searches • Word games • Riddles • Sentences to correct on the board • Silent reading • Enrichment booklets

16. 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

17. The program • Essential knowledge • Problem with grade 2/3 multi-level classes

20. My recommendations • Use LESs as much as you can • Use only one activity book • Careful planning • Use everything available for classroom management • Have fun!!!!

21. 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)

22. Your comments… Thanks for your participation!

23. Marie-Christine Léger Commission scolaire des Hautes-Rivières legerm@csdhr.qc.ca (450) 359-6411 # 7307