Teacher Perspectives on Student Placement in University EFL Programs

Authors

  • Brian McMillan Hiroshima Bunkyo Women’s University
  • Paul Joyce Kinki University, Osaka

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v16i1-2.6131

Keywords:

Class placement, Student placement, Streaming, Mixed ability Classes, Teacher perspectives

Abstract

In many language programs, students are placed in streamed, relatively homogeneous classes according to their proficiency in the target language. However, proponents of mixed-ability classes believe that through forming mixed-ability groups lower-proficiency learners feel less stigmatized, and that both higher- and lower-proficiency learners benefit from peer tutoring. This paper reports on the results from a survey that explored the perceptions of 31 EFL teachers at four Japanese universities regarding streamed and mixedability first-year EFL classes. Most teacher-participants expressed a preference for teaching streamed classes, citing advantages related to the effectiveness of instruction, appropriateness of materials, student motivation, and the quality of learner-learner interaction.

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v16i1-2.6131

NELTA 2011; 16(1-2): 70-81

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How to Cite

McMillan, B., & Joyce, P. (2012). Teacher Perspectives on Student Placement in University EFL Programs. Journal of NELTA, 16(1-2), 70–81. https://doi.org/10.3126/nelta.v16i1-2.6131

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Articles