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I have learned the value of structuring lessons in their various, respective structures. I am pleased to have to a Lesson template that makes lesson planning very clear. Having a learning objective makes it straightforward in narrowing down the learning objective. The template also coerces the user to ask himself what potential problems the students or teacher may have and how the user plans on finding a solution. I am pleased I learned the ESA lesson structure. I plan to begin a lesson with an Engage phase as a method to introduce and segue the objective to be learned. It makes clear sense to begin the lesson this way. Further, leading the lesson with a Study phase where the learning objective is being taught is helpful in designing the structure of a lesson. Finally, the resulting Activate phase is critical in activating what the students have learned from the Engage and Study phases and demonstrating they have met the learning objective. I have also learned about the advantages, disadvantages and flexibility I can expect to have in teaching with authentic and inauthentic materials. I plan to use both authentic and inauthentic materials whenever I see fitting. I have also learned that there is quite a difference in the how and why learners of different ages learn and what techniques, methods and considerations a teacher should understand in being an effective teacher. For example, young learners need to be taught more sensitively and have more games for the learning to be effective. Additionally, younger students have lower levels of concentration and are less likely to be self-motivated to learn english. Conversely, older learners are more likely to be on the other side of the learning and motivation curve. However, young learners are most likely to be open to speak in public while adult learners might be more insecure to speak in public. I also learned that there is not a single, best approach to teaching EFL and there are many preferences in teaching EFL (it's a very individualized profession), the variety of the teacher's preferences and background, the culture of the classroom and the level of english being taught will be the most significant factors in determining how the class will be taught. I plan to learn as much of the culture and of the students as soon as I arrive (or prior, if possible) so I can be better prepared to teach in the most effective manner. I also learned the many reasons that create misbehavior in a classroom and what techniques, procedures and steps I can take to understand and solve classroom misbehavior (which would also be useful in helping me understand the culture of the students). The most important thing I have learned from this course is that teaching is not something someone can simply get out of a package course. Preparation, experience and the personality both the teacher and class provide will determine the type of learning experience and rapport that will be established between the class and the students.
