If I Was The Student Would You Be The Teacher

Being an EFL teacher can bring numerous rewards and happiness, but even the most experienced EFL teacher runs into challenges in the classroom from time to time, especially when teaching young learners. Challenges may range from wondering how to organize the seating of your students in the classroom to having a student that is disruptive. There are many challenges that TEFL teachers face, and unfortunately many are not given the resources/ideas or training that is beneficial and essential in maintaining a productive and homeostatic classroom. This is an essay about some of these challenges, and of course some ideas for classroom management.Classroom management can be challenging for anyone, but especially for the new teacher who has little experience in this area. It is not...  [Read more]

General educational psychologists believe there are three main sources of motivation for students, and these directly apply to students of the English language. First, a student?s personal, natural interest in a subject, called ?intrinsic satisfaction,? influences their natural affinity for learning more about the materials covered in a class. Second, the teacher?s perceived expertise, the prestige of the school, and/or the future impact on employment prospects, called ?extrinsic reward,? defines for the student how much he/she is likely to benefit from learning English. Finally, when students are successful in a given task ? whether this be a simple activity, a test or the overall course ? they combine satisfaction with reward and are likely to be more motivated to ...  [Read more]

In the words of one-to-one pioneer, Peter Wilberg, ´One-to-one teaching is different´. http://www.oxfordtefl.com/teacher_development_courses/certificate_one _to_one_teaching(Teaching one to one: Mark Powell, oxford TEFL.) Most TEFL courses and language schools are geared towards teaching students in groups, so many teachers find it difficult to adapt there skills to one to one teaching. Many, perhaps most, of the personal and pedagogical skills we have developed as language teachers relate almost exclusively to working with groups. It has been suggested that most students prefer one to one teaching as opposed to being taught as a group. For teachers it can prove very challenging, as expectations tend to be high from the students view point,...  [Read more]

Universally recognized is the advantage of one teacher for one student. It is an evident need for students in school requiring help with a specific subject. Also, advanced students benefit from being able to progress at a more rapid pace. Shy students find this very helpful in overcoming their hesitancy to speak out. For those with a busy schedule and disciplined progress is very difficult, one on one teaching is almost a must. These are just a few examples of why there is a boom in requests for this type of teaching. Of course, this type of teaching situation can cause some problems for the teachers that they would not encounter in a classroom setting with many students. There is a great intensity and often a need for very precise preparation. The material...  [Read more]

General educational psychologists believe there are three main sources of motivation for students, and these directly apply to students of the English language. First, a student’s personal, natural interest in a subject, called “intrinsic satisfaction,” influences their natural affinity for learning more about the materials covered in a class. Second, the teacher’s perceived expertise, the prestige of the school, and/or the future impact on employment prospects, called “extrinsic reward,” defines for the student how much he/she is likely to benefit from learning English. Finally, when students are successful in a given task – whether this be a simple activity, a test or the overall course – they combine satisfaction with reward...  [Read more]

There are many ways to teach a class. Each teacher has his/her own style of going about it. Although the level of importance of each part that contributes to the whole of a class is important, I believe one of the most relevant parts of a class in building rapport with the students. Building rapport doesn't only ensure a smoother classroom experience but also improve the quality of lessons all together.Many institutions have put building or establishing rapport as part of their teacher handbooks. This, often considered a very insignificant part that many teachers do without, is something that they believe to be of the greatest importance. Colleges like the American University: School of Education believe that building rapport goes hand in hand with the fact that teachers 'must...  [Read more]

The idea of classroom management is something that every future teacher must plan and contemplate thoroughly before starting his/her teaching career. While each teacher will approach classroom management in their own way, there are some major areas that must be covered. First, a teacher must make the students understand the expectations and consequences concerning the class. In order to ensure that classroom learning is conducive to both the physical and emotional growth of the student, rules that explain what behavior is expected need to be reviewed. After rules and procedures are established, it is important that the teacher admires good performance and provides negative consequences for unacceptable behavior. Simple physical signs like a “thumbs up” or a...  [Read more]

When training to teach English as a foreign language, or any other subject for that matter, at some stage the need arises to examine what exactly it is that makes someone a good teacher. After all, if you do not know the qualities you should possess, how are you to become one? The TEFL International handbook provides a summary of teachers? own suggestions of the characteristics required, and lists personality traits such as patience and kindness, and skills such as the ability to motivate, understand and entertain (1). The handbook uses this list to surmise that a good teacher is one who ?cares about his/her teaching, but cares more about the learning of the students? (2). If the students? needs are therefore the number one priority, then self-analysis on the part of...  [Read more]

When training to teach English as a foreign language, or any other subject for that matter, at some stage the need arises to examine what exactly it is that makes someone a good teacher. After all, if you do not know the qualities you should possess, how are you to become one' The TEFL International handbook provides a summary of teachers' own suggestions of the characteristics required, and lists personality traits such as patience and kindness, and skills such as the ability to motivate, understand and entertain (1). The handbook uses this list to surmise that a good teacher is one who 'cares about his/her teaching, but cares more about the learning of the students' (2). If the students' needs are therefore the number one priority, then self-analysis on the part of the...  [Read more]

The idea of classroom management is something that every future teacher must plan and contemplate thoroughly before starting his/her teaching career. While each teacher will approach classroom management in their own way, there are some major areas that must be covered. First, a teacher must make the students understand the expectations and consequences concerning the class. In order to ensure that classroom learning is conducive to both the physical and emotional growth of the student, rules that explain what behavior is expected need to be reviewed. After rules and procedures are established, it is important that the teacher admires good performance and provides negative consequences for unacceptable behavior. Simple physical signs like a ?thumbs up? or a verbal...  [Read more]

Navigating Through a Foreign-Language-Classroom:Non-Verbal VocalicsTeaching in a foreign country and to students that do not understand English poses as a tedious endeavor. Innately we as humans tend to gravitate towards people like ourselves, thus when a TEFL teacher enters a classroom full of students from a different culture the work that is entailed to teach is abundant. Not only must the teacher propose a lesson, they must also embark on communicating with their students. Nevertheless that communication is of utmost difficulty; not only are the students from a different culture, they also speak a different language. Therefore, a sense of understanding must arise between the student and the teacher' lack of language. Consequently the communication that goes on between the two...  [Read more]

It would be nice to think that an ESL teacher could enter the classroom with a friendly smile, the appropriate warmer and a well- planned lesson, and the result would be a room full of students progressing continually in their language skills. However, with a task as great as learning English as a second language, the experience is rarely that easy. Learning English has its’ own unique difficulties, and it profits the ESL teacher most if these challenges are explored and prepared for before entering the classroom. One such challenge is students with learning disabilities; when it is believed that a student has a learning disability, teachers must consider diagnosis and appropriate teaching methods.It can be hard to make the decision to evaluate students for a learning...  [Read more]

A teacher is one who helps children grow, helps them learn, helps them to discover their own potential and gives them the perfect knowledge and skill they require to succeed as adults. A good teacher should be kind, patient, enthusiastic, be able to motivate students, etc. and it is only through these skills can a teacher be able to manage the classroom well. Classroom management is a skill that develops through time. It requires a teacher to be well organized and systematic in his/her approach to teaching and handling students. Effective classroom management creates a healthy relationship between teachers and students and also a healthy environment for teaching and learning. ...  [Read more]

Learning another language is a difficult process. The use of games in the classroom can make the process enjoyable and less difficult. Games motivate students to participate in classroom activities. Playing games is good practice of using the English language and should be done every so often. Students get a chance to relax from studying and figure out cooperatively how to win the game. They do not think that they are learning from the game but they are. At the same time the students are being challenged mentally. ?Games can lower anxiety, thus making the acquisition of input more likely?(Richard Amato 1988:147). Shy students who do not participate on a regular basis have the opportunity and usually capitalize on it when playing games. When learning English...  [Read more]

Navigating Through a Foreign-Language-Classroom: Non-Verbal Vocalics Teaching in a foreign country and to students that do not understand English poses as a tedious endeavor. Innately we as humans tend to gravitate towards people like ourselves, thus when a TEFL teacher enters a classroom full of students from a different culture the work that is entailed to teach is abundant. Not only must the teacher propose a lesson, they must also embark on communicating with their students. Nevertheless that communication is of utmost difficulty; not only are the students from a different culture, they also speak a different language. Therefore, a sense of understanding must arise between the student and the teacher? lack of language. Consequently the communication that goes on...  [Read more]

The teaching of languages in the French educational system is slowly starting earlier and earlier, with the students learning some English as early as Ecole Premiere (US equivalent of elementary school). Because France is situated in the middle of Europe, it is very important for the people to have some background in several languages. That is why it is obligatory to study a minimum of two languages, and because English is becoming more and more important as a language, all students are required to study it as one of their two languages. Whichever language a student chooses to study first, the instruction will officially begin in the first or second year of Coll'ge (middle school), thus allowing the student to follow a language to the end of Lyc'e (high school), giving them 6...  [Read more]

Rapid globalisation has developed the need to find a common means of international communication. Throughout modern history English has been the language for most of the worlds economic, political and scientific leaders. Now-a-days if any non-English speaking country want to communicate outside its borders then English is usually the language of choice. To meet the demand of teaching non-English speakers, many language courses have been developed e.g. TEFEL, TESOL etc. These courses have to meet demand in many different situations one of which being multi-lingual and mono-lingual classes. Multi--lingual classes consist of students speaking different languages and are most often found in English speaking countries where students have come with an aim to learn English. ...  [Read more]

Teaching grammar can be one of the most frustrating aspects of an English teacher’s job description. Teaching grammar can be divided into two categories, declarative knowledge and procedural knowledge. Declarative knowledge can be summed up as knowledge about a thing such as the rules of grammar whereas procedural knowledge is being able to apply the knowledge to communicate effectively. To illustrate the difference declarative knowledge would be being able to understand the instruction manual on how to assemble a bicycle where as procedural knowledge would be what you demonstrate when you actually put the bicycle together. Being good at one does not necessarily make one good at the other. Many of us native English speakers can use our native tongue correctly but...  [Read more]

The Cambridge online dictionary defines culture as ‘the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time’. Education, and thus teaching, are widely believed to one of the most fundamental and essential elements in human life. Therefore cultural awareness in the education environment is of paramount importance. To effectively communicate in any classroom, the students must feel both at ease with, and a sense of respect for, their teacher. To achieve this, the teacher must be aware of the norms, customs and beliefs which have nurtured the minds and personalities of those he or she intends to educate. Any offence or disrespect caused would be of detriment to the crucial rapport building and mutual respect. As ...  [Read more]

The Cambridge online dictionary defines culture as ?the way of life, especially the general customs and beliefs, of a particular group of people at a particular time?. Education, and thus teaching, are widely believed to one of the most fundamental and essential elements in human life. Therefore cultural awareness in the education environment is of paramount importance. To effectively communicate in any classroom, the students must feel both at ease with, and a sense of respect for, their teacher. To achieve this, the teacher must be aware of the norms, customs and beliefs which have nurtured the minds and personalities of those he or she intends to educate. Any offence or disrespect caused would be of detriment to the crucial rapport building and mutual respect. As ...  [Read more]

Classroom management is very important, especially for new teachers, because with it a teacher can gain the respect and attention of their students. Without good classroom management students may lose respect for a teacher and put less effort into their learning. For new teachers, classroom management can be a daunting task, but with the right tools and some advice from experienced teachers it can be easily accomplished. Melissa Kelly lays out a few tips for teachers needing a little advice on how to handle behavior problems and establish good classroom management from day one. Her first tip is to present a discipline plan on the first day of class so that the students know what is expected of them. Kelley explains that ?Once you set a precedent of allowing a lot...  [Read more]

Teaching grammar can be one of the most frustrating aspects of an English teacher?s job description. Teaching grammar can be divided into two categories, declarative knowledge and procedural knowledge. Declarative knowledge can be summed up as knowledge about a thing such as the rules of grammar whereas procedural knowledge is being able to apply the knowledge to communicate effectively. To illustrate the difference declarative knowledge would be being able to understand the instruction manual on how to assemble a bicycle where as procedural knowledge would be what you demonstrate when you actually put the bicycle together. Being good at one does not necessarily make one good at the other. Many of us native English speakers can use our native tongue correctly but...  [Read more]

Grammar is undoubtedly one of the most important aspects of the English language. It is the study of how the four main forms of a language: text, sentence, word and sound, are arranged to communicate a message accurately. Even though grammar is one of the crucial areas of English, the importance given to teaching it has been of great debate for some time. Some pedagogical theorists and practitioners question the necessity of teaching grammar and argue that English could be taught to non-native English speakers without grammar having to be the focus of a lesson. In 1622, a schoolmaster called Joseph Webbe argued that grammar could be mastered ?by exercise of reading, writing, and speaking?all things belonging to Grammar will without labour,?thrust themselves upon...  [Read more]

Whenever the discussion arises 'What makes a good teacher'', various theories and suggestions concerning a teacher's personality and his/her relationship with pupils are laid on the table. The TEFL International handbook summarises what many teachers and students suggest are the main qualities of a good teacher: 'Should be patient and kind 'Should really love teaching 'Should be lively and entertaining 'Is able to motivate learners 'Has a good knowledge of his/her subject 'Should have a good rapport and interaction with the class 'Should be able to involve all students equally throughout a lesson 'Should be able to correct students without offending them or affecting their motivation 'Should know students' weaknesses and try to give help and individual attention where...  [Read more]

This research article will highlight and investigate two major aspects of preparing and starting an EFL course to beginner-level students. They are; 1) the approaches (i.e. the mindset, theoretical beliefs and methodologies that a teacher applies to the course, short and long term), 2) the techniques - (i.e. the specific assignments, arrangements and tools/aids utilized to carry out the teacher´s approaches and achieve the student´s goals). The article will move through the various, early stages of planning and teaching an EFL Beginners Course, in (roughly) chronological order. Its focus will only be to shed light on common, recommendable teaching approaches and techinques for an EFL Beginners Course. Along the way, a teacher - in reality...  [Read more]

Whenever the discussion arises ?What makes a good teacher??, various theories and suggestions concerning a teacher?s personality and his/her relationship with pupils are laid on the table. The TEFL International handbook summarises what many teachers and students suggest are the main qualities of a good teacher: ?Should be patient and kind ?Should really love teaching ?Should be lively and entertaining ?Is able to motivate learners ?Has a good knowledge of his/her subject ?Should have a good rapport and interaction with the class ?Should be able to involve all students equally throughout a lesson ?Should be able to correct students without offending them or affecting their motivation ?Should know students? weaknesses and try to give help and individual attention where ...  [Read more]

Rapport is important for building and sustaining a relationship with a student. It is the ability to join people who connect mentally and emotionally on the same wavelength. Having rapport will ensure that the student understands the teacher and is willing to listen to and follow instructions or explanations from the teacher. To influence a student the teacher has to be able to appreciate and understand about the needs of their students. If the student feels understood they are much more open to take on board what the teacher has to say.(1)Rapport works best when it is a philosophy and a way of dealing with people and a way of doing business at all times – in contrast to doing rapport as a technique in a sales meeting or when there is a problem. (2) Each teacher will have...  [Read more]

A teacher can provide the greatest source of information for many students. In many ways, a teacher is a mentor for whom the students can turn to for encouragement, knowledge, and feedback. Thus, a teacher must be available and receptive to his/her students to provide a support system when conquering a new language. By motivating the students to try the language concepts and to participate, a teacher is building the foundation necessary for the students to gain interest in this field. Many teachers believe in situated motivation, where the teacher is responsible for the environmental and extrinsic conditions (Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia website). Without encouragement and motivation, it is unlikely that the students will want to expand their knowledge and be willing to...  [Read more]

When individuals are grouped together, especially in a learning environment, there will always be a mixture of abilities. A ?homogeneous classroom? does not exist. For this reason, it is essential, as a teacher, to be prepared to address a class full off different levels and abilities from start to finish. According to Gareth Rees, it is important to address this situation from the first day of class. He suggests having an open class discussion to put it out in the open which I believe makes for a more comfortable classroom. It is important to stage and structure the discussion by asking certain questions such as; would you rather sit and listen or actively participate? Rees calls this a ?Needs Analysis.? Comparing answers you, as a teacher, can have...  [Read more]

When individuals are grouped together, especially in a learning environment, there will always be a mixture of abilities. A 'homogeneous classroom' does not exist. For this reason, it is essential, as a teacher, to be prepared to address a class full off different levels and abilities from start to finish.According to Gareth Rees, it is important to address this situation from the first day of class. He suggests having an open class discussion to put it out in the open which I believe makes for a more comfortable classroom. It is important to stage and structure the discussion by asking certain questions such as; would you rather sit and listen or actively participate' Rees calls this a 'Needs Analysis.' Comparing answers you, as a teacher, can have a better...  [Read more]