Engaging Mixed-Age Learners with Personal Interests in ESL Beginners

Abstract

This study explores the effectiveness of using personal hobbies and daily routines to engage mixed-age learners (ages 12-17) at A1-A2 English proficiency levels over a 34-week course designed to help them progress toward B1 proficiency. The research focuses on how integrating personal interests into lessons increases motivation, participation, and language acquisition. A class of 18 students was divided into sub-groups based on age and proficiency, with activities tailored to meet their developmental needs. The findings show that connecting lessons to students' lives significantly improves engagement, vocabulary retention, and oral communication. Collaborative tasks involving both younger and older students fostered peer learning, creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment. This approach proves beneficial in mixed-level classrooms and could be adapted for higher proficiency levels and larger class sizes.