Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra
Vol. 5 No. 1 (2026): March

Managing Mixed Language Proficiency in English Classes: Challenges and Strategies for Vocational Students

Lubis, Darliyati (Unknown)
Daulay, Sholihatul Hamidah (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
20 Mar 2026

Abstract

This study aims to examine how English language teachers address diverse language proficiency levels in vocational high school (SMK) classrooms in Indonesia, where students exhibit varying linguistic abilities and learning motivations. Using a qualitative descriptive approach, data were collected from six English language teachers through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. The data were analysed using thematic analysis to identify common challenges, strategies employed and their impact on instruction. The results indicate that teachers face significant challenges in adjusting lesson pace, student participation and fair assessment due to wide proficiency differences and limited school support. Despite this, they employ differentiation strategies such as graduated tasks, flexible grouping, graduated support, and limited use of the mother tongue to ensure inclusive learning. These adaptive practices align with Vygotskys Sociocultural Theory and Tomlinsons Differentiated Instruction Framework. The study concludes that managing proficiency diversity requires context-specific teaching approaches, institutional support, and professional development for teachers to transform classroom diversity into a valuable learning resource.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

pebsas

Publisher

Subject

Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media

Description

Jurnal PEBSAS (Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra) is a language and literature education journal that will be managed properly by the Medan Cipta Foundation. Jurnal PEBSAS (Jurnal Pendidikan Bahasa dan Sastra) can be an alternative choice for researchers and other academics to publish their best ...