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Hello, I think that mixed ability groups have pros and cons. On the one side, it's great variety of tasks for students, because teacher prepares lots of materials and adapts existing, so that students could have great variety of practice on all levels, weaker students practicing with stronger ones, can improve their level. But on the other side for strong students it may be not challenging enough, because for some of them motivation is to become the best in group and if the competition is not strong, they may lose interest. All in all it is a challenge for teachers and a great opportunity to improve their skills.

Hello, my dear friends!)
As for me, I also agree with the statement that every group is mixed-ability. And the problem for teacher is how to find the best way of involving all students with different levels of motivation, aptitudes, personalities and previous exposure in classroom activities so that it'll be maximally effective for each student. But on the other hand, it's very interesting for teacher to work with such group! It helps teacher to become more experienced and qualified.

José Mario wrote:
> 3. I agree that every group is a mixed-ability group. Some implications for
> teachers are: Pairing strong and weak students, allowing students enough
> time to check and discuss answers, taking into account motivation and
> learning style when planning lessons.
>
> 4. I think mixed ability is definitely a challenge, but there are certain
> advantages to it. For instance, mixed ability demands that teachers include
> a variety of activities in the classroom. This can allow students to be
> exposed to a dynamic and multifaceted learning environment. Students can
> also learn from each other and about their own strengths and weaknesses.

Hello José Mario, all true but some groups are more mixed than others! It depends on the school. I have a friend for example who teaches groups with elementary students and FCE level people in the same class! It sounds surreal, but that is what he has to do. He has became a master at devising tasks that can be adapted so they provide enough and not too much challenge for the different levels. He also uses group work - one group will be working together on a written task while he teaches another face to face. I don't know how he does it, but he has figured out a way. Nevertheless I don't think it's an ideal situation for anybody involved :)
See you,
Pieter

3. I agree that every group is a mixed-ability group. Some implications for teachers are: Pairing strong and weak students, allowing students enough time to check and discuss answers, taking into account motivation and learning style when planning lessons.

4. I think mixed ability is definitely a challenge, but there are certain advantages to it. For instance, mixed ability demands that teachers include a variety of activities in the classroom. This can allow students to be exposed to a dynamic and multifaceted learning environment. Students can also learn from each other and about their own strengths and weaknesses.