Mixed ability classrooms-a battlefield or a blessing ? : evaluating heterogeneous and homogeneous EAP classes in Iraqi Kurdistan

Abstract EN

The aim of this research was to investigate into some issues concerning mixed ability and streamed English classes within an EAP (English for Academic Purposes) context in Kurdistan, North Iraq.

Primarily, the focus was on researching into the effects of streaming classes on students’ self-concept and motivation in both heterogeneous and homogeneous classes.

The study used a combination of both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies, to analyse data from questionnaires and focus group interviews.

The findings and correlations between both pre- streamed and post-streamed classes were significant and it is hoped that this study will help spread awareness of students’ self-concept when deliberating over whether streaming EAP students in a university setting is good practice or not.