Common Challenges in Proficiency-Based Classrooms

Sometimes we might feel like everyone else is achieving incredible success consistently and don’t face some of the challenges that we see in our own classrooms.  The truth and the reality is that most of us have some areas that don’t quite seem to be working at times.  Implementing comprehensible input (CI) strategies in a proficiency-based language classroom comes with its challenges at times.  With proactive planning we can create an engaging and effective learning environment for all students. Let’s dive into some of the most common obstacles and practical solutions to help you navigate them.

Different Proficiency Levels 

One of the biggest challenges in a CI-based classroom is meeting the needs of students with varied proficiency levels. Some students may quickly grasp input, while others need more support.

What Can We Do to Address This?

• Scaffold Input: Use visuals, gestures, and real-world context to support comprehension. Advanced learners can be challenged with more nuanced language, while beginners focus on simpler structures.
• Tiered Tasks: Create activities with different levels of complexity. For instance, when describing an image, beginners use basic sentences, while advanced students add details or speculate about what’s happening.
• Pair and Group Work: Strategically mix students so stronger learners can support their peers while still benefiting from interactions at their level. Rotate groups to keep engagement high.

Large Class Sizes

A crowded classroom makes it harder to provide personalized input and ensure all students stay engaged.

What Can We Do to Address This?

• Leverage Technology: Tools like Pear Deck, Gimkit, and Google Forms make interactive comprehension checks efficient.
• Strategic Seating and Routines: Arrange seats to optimize interaction and establish consistent routines for CI activities to maintain structure.
• Chunk Input: Break lessons into smaller segments with quick comprehension checks (e.g., yes/no questions) to keep engagement high.

Student Resistance

Students who are used to textbook-based learning may feel uncomfortable with a CI approach, questioning its rigor or effectiveness.

What Can We Do to Address This?

• Explain the ‘Why’: Dedicate time early in the course to explain how CI supports real-world fluency. Share success stories from past students.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Acknowledge when students understand without translating or express themselves spontaneously.
• Incorporate Familiar Elements: Blend CI with structured grammar or vocabulary reviews to ease students into this approach.

Time Constraints

Pressure to cover an extensive curriculum can make it difficult to prioritize input-based instruction.

What Can We Do to Address This?

• Focus on High-Frequency Language: Teach the most commonly used words and phrases to maximize efficiency.
• Embed Input in Required Content: Use storytelling and cultural discussions to meet curriculum goals while delivering comprehensible input.
• Set Realistic Goals: Prioritize long-term retention over superficial mastery of a broad set of topics.

Assessment and Accountability

Traditional assessments often prioritize grammatical accuracy over communication, making it difficult to show progress using CI methods.

What Can We Do to Address This?

• Shift Assessment Practices: Use performance-based assessments like role-plays or storytelling, focusing on communication and fluency.
• Showcase Progress: Record student speech samples throughout the year to demonstrate growth.
• Blend Traditional and CI Assessments: Incorporate occasional quizzes for accountability while emphasizing proficiency-based evaluation.

Classroom Management

Keeping students engaged and in the target language can be challenging, especially with interactive activities.

What Can We Do to Address This?

• Use Compelling Input: Choose topics that students find interesting—stories, pop culture, or personal experiences.
• Set Clear Expectations: Establish and consistently enforce behavior norms for CI activities.
• Frequent Check-Ins: Keep students engaged with quick questions, gestures, and interactive elements.

Your Turn

By implementing these strategies, we can create a CI-rich classroom where all students can grow in proficiency and communicate with confidence! What strategies have worked best for you? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments!