A Comparative Analysis of Grouping Students into Ability Groups and Mixed Ability Groups When Teaching English as a Second Language at the Faculty of Commerce and Management, University of Kelaniya

Abstract

When teaching English as a second language the two most common types of groups are mixed ability groups and ability groups. In most Sri Lankan universities students are made to sit a placement test on entering of which the results provide the basis for their grouping at the intensive course. They are grouped according to their level of proficiency in English and taught in ability groups. At the University of Kelaniya, they sit the test and their level of proficiency is assessed. Nevertheless they are taught in mixed ability groups. There are linguistic, psychological and practical reasons which account for the preference of one of the above two grouping methods. This paper is aimed at analyzing the pros and cons of ability grouping and mixed ability grouping, for teaching English as a second language. Thus, this study will make it possible to find the better type of grouping of the two types mentioned, in order to carry out Teaching -Learning Process more effectively. The paper will be based on the grouping of the first year students of the Faculty of Commerce and Management at the University of Kelaniya. In order to do so, this project will use both qualitative and quantitative research, including questionnaires, interviews with members of the Faculty and analysis of student grades.