Teach English in Potou Zhen - Changde Shi

When it comes to teaching, it is very important for teachers to build rapport with their students. Rapport is a connection with someone else but in this case its a relationship between teacher and student. It is best to for a teacher to learn their students’ name and interests. Establishing this connection will help the teacher and students come to an understanding which may help them learn more about each other and the students' strengths and weaknesses with the English language. As a teacher you will learn that each student is unique and different and you will need to find some sort of common ground with them while being empathic. Doing so, is an action which help build rapport. Students will become more comfortable with you as their teacher and may be more open to communication. They will feel that it is o.k. to speak up and to ask questions when they do not understand the lesson or activity. Some tend to be shy especially around their peers and classmates, so it is very important for them to build rapport with one another as well. Group activities, games, and partnership may be of use for this intention. Students who are able to communicate well with their class without being too anxious is a student who is comfortable with their classroom and environment. They may help them become motivated for class and for the future activities when teachers are able to inspire confidence in the students. Teachers are also different as they may have their own unique style and ways in teaching. Its not necessary for all teachers to be the most lively and entertaining but does help a lot when it comes to motivating younger students. It will also depend on the age group that they teach. For example, if they are teaching adults, it is also very important to also build that rapport with them by just simply asking them about their day and how work is going for them. Adults tend to become more stressed and have a lot going on for them in a day and they sometimes wouldn't be so motivated if their teachers go straight to teaching without having that quick empathic connection first. It does not mean that they will have the whole lesson talking about personal situations, although sometimes it may become relevant to the lesson if the student is able to explain their day in English, but of course in a professional manner. With the younger learners, teachers should also have them speak about their day in English. This will help build that rapport and also gain their knowledge in English. A teacher who speaks with a student at anytime should be able to speak to them while also remaining eye contact. This does not mean that they should stare at them either. If a teacher is able to do this correctly, it will show the student that their teacher is confident and is able to discipline them when necessary. Without this recognition, the teacher may have a difficult time with disciplining the students. Teachers should always try to encourage contributions among the students. Getting them to be more involved and talking in English should be a teacher’s priority in the classroom. Language is best learned when it is practice often verbally and preferably with a partner. In order for students to be in this level of communication with their classmates, they need to be able to speak comfortably with each other. Therefore teachers should plan lessons and activities that involve the students talking more and understanding each others’ interests. This will lead to friendships among students that in which will lead to motivation. Students who are motivated are able to learn efficiently. Praising students who do a good job and who lack confidence will go a long way in motivating them. It is important that teachers understand each student to further help them when they are having trouble. Being sensitive to a student’s weakness may allow them to open up to their teachers without the fear of being judged. Teachers should be able to listen to their students and to learn from them as well. Learning their students’ interests will help the teacher plan for the next lessons in confidence. It is important for a teacher to make the classroom a feel like a safe environment where students are allowed to be who they are while also maintaining a system of discipline. This will encourage them to share their thoughts and ideas openly and confidently. Getting them to cooperate and negotiate in English may help with building rapport and with learning the language effectively. Learning is always easier when there is someone who supports you and encourages you. Have your students support and encourage one another and make it a natural thing where it is o.k. to make mistakes and to get up and try again. Encourage them not to give up when lessons get hard and when they don’t understand. Teachers should find a way to make activities and lessons which are most suitable for the students to be able to talk to each other. They must try to make activities fun and lively which will help them become more motivated and involved. When the students are bored, they tend to doze off and may become disruptive to the class and the lesson. This might mean they lack motivation and it will be difficult for a teacher to get their attention. Its always best to monitor how the lessons are going to see if its within the students’ interests. If it seems that they are bored and unmotivated, it is encouraged to change the activity up a little, making it rather exciting. Giving the students individual attention may help with their confidence and their skills. If a student is unwilling to cooperate in an activity, it does not always mean that they are being unmotivated or rude. Sometimes it could mean that they are not confident and it is best that the teacher allows them to remain silent rather than putting them on the spot in front of the class. The last thing a teacher wants is for their students to feel like they are being singled out or picked on. Teachers should rather focus on helping them one to one until they understand, by simply asking them simple questions and giving praise when answered. In conclusion, establishing rapport with students goes a long way in the classroom and will help with confidence and motivation. Teachers should never skip this step and should always try their best to understand each of their students.