How to Answer: How will you instruct students with varying abilities?
Advice and answer examples written specifically for an ABE Teacher job interview.
3. How will you instruct students with varying abilities?
How to Answer
With this question, you'll want to demonstrate your ability to adapt the same material to each student's learning styles and competencies. One of the most difficult aspects of teaching is catering to each student's unique needs. It is important to go into the job armed with several strategies to help learners of all abilities. This means scaffolding material to help struggling students break down content and planning extension activities to challenge students who catch on quickly. Some strategies to consider may include utilizing small groups, assigning students to help each other, providing individual attention, utilizing technology and other resources to spark differing learning styles, offering challenging projects, allowing a student to lead the class, breaking down the learning into small steps, etc.
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 6th, 2021
Entry Level
"I plan to invite my students to give me feedback on my teaching style. If I am moving along too quickly for a student, I want them to tell me. I may not rearrange my entire teaching style, but I will certainly offer them additional resources to be successful."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 6th, 2021
Answer Example
"I pace the section I'm teaching based on the student's ability and receptiveness. I want to make them feel like the class is suited to their abilities rather than just teaching from a curriculum. I also have students help each other or sometimes lead the class. I provide individual attention when I can, using technology and other resources to engage different learning styles. These strategies help students learn from each other, but they help me learn how to further tailor my instruction as well."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 6th, 2021
Experienced
"Teaching students with varying abilities is par for the course when it comes to adult education. I have become very perceptive of my students' needs over the years and will check in with them regularly to ensure they are getting what they need from me. Holding individual conferences allows students to feel supported and allows the space for them to be open and honest, and allows me to identify their strengths and weaknesses."
Written by Rachelle Enns on September 6th, 2021