IIUM Repository

Teaching across grades: lesson delivery strategies of ESL teachers in multigrade classrooms at selected Malaysian low enrolment schools

Tahir, Nur Anisah and Saad, Mohammad Azannee and Raja Abdul Razak, Raja Nurul Nadia (2026) Teaching across grades: lesson delivery strategies of ESL teachers in multigrade classrooms at selected Malaysian low enrolment schools. International Journal of Education, Psychology and Counselling, 11 (62). pp. 1040-1059. E-ISSN 0128-164X

[img]
Preview
PDF - Published Version
Download (7MB) | Preview

Abstract

Multigrade classrooms are a common feature of rural low enrolment schools worldwide, where students from two different grade levels are taught within the same classroom. In the Malaysian context, such settings pose distinct pedagogical demands, particularly for English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction. This study explores the lesson delivery strategies employed by ESL teachers in selected Malaysian low enrolment multigrade schools. Guided by the Learning Environment, Learning Processes, and Learning Outcomes (LEPO) framework, a qualitative case study design was adopted. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis involving eight ESL teachers from selected low enrolment schools in Selangor, Pahang, Perak, and Johor. The findings revealed six main themes; alternating instructional focus between different grade levels, alignment of language skills and topics across grades, peer-assisted learning practices, multigrade lesson planning approaches, utilisation of instructional materials, and, differentiated teaching strategies in multigrade classrooms. These findings offer practical insights into ESL teaching in multigrade settings and have implications for teachers, school leaders, policymakers, and other educational stakeholders seeking to support effective instruction in rural low enrolment schools

Item Type: Article (Journal)
Uncontrolled Keywords: ESL Teaching Strategies, Low Enrolment Schools, Multigrade Classroom, Pedagogical Practices, Qualitative Research, Rural Schools
Subjects: L Education > L Education (General)
Kulliyyahs/Centres/Divisions/Institutes (Can select more than one option. Press CONTROL button): Kulliyyah of Education > Department of Language & Literacy
Depositing User: Dr Mohammad Azannee Saad
Date Deposited: 20 Apr 2026 15:48
Last Modified: 20 Apr 2026 15:48
Queue Number: 2026-04-Q2878
URI: http://irep.iium.edu.my/id/eprint/128385

Actions (login required)

View Item View Item