Ability-based instruction (ABI) means the curriculum that is diversified, differentiated, and flexible and that is focused on the students' abilities and differences between individuals. It is not easy, however, to change practice and methods at a tim...
Ability-based instruction (ABI) means the curriculum that is diversified, differentiated, and flexible and that is focused on the students' abilities and differences between individuals. It is not easy, however, to change practice and methods at a time that schools and teachers have done until now.
At present, many schools in Korea have adopted ABI, but it is true that they have many difficulties in doing so. Especially, applying the same and equal ABI to every school which has respectively different surroundings is not desirable.
The purpose of this study is to analyze the problems highlighted from case studies of ABI in two middle schools which are locally different and to present some solutions for institutional improvement.
This study proposes improvement plans as follows for some problems in carrying out ABI in two middle schools. First, a presentation is required, such as a workshop class, for students and their parents in order to remove worries and emotional issues about ABI. The presentation to the parents' association at the beginning of the semester provides them with the concept, the distinctive features, the necessity, and the importance of ABI. Second, strong motivation is requird through teamwork and this requires meetings between all teachers teaching the same grade. Third, a classroom for English lessons equipped with computers and a multimedia system is required to enable the effective use of ABI. Fourth, teaching materials for ABI need to be developed further by National and Local Boards of Education. Fifth, a variety of teaching methods are required. Sixth, the paper test should be based on basic contents which all ability level students have learned together because including supplementary or deepening instruction may cause disadvantages to some groups. Instead, performance evaluation need to be based on performance progress on order to evaluate the learning contents of supplementary or deepening instruction.
As mentioned above, this study found the problems which have occurred in ABI and proposes improvement plans.