How to keep a language classroom active?
By easyzheng
@easyzheng (666)
China
April 8, 2007 12:15am CST
I've been teaching english as a second or foreign language for many years. but still, I'm always frustrated by lack of classroom teaching strategies which are very important to keep my class active and my students positive in learning. If you happen to be a language teacher, your experiences and ideas about that will be greatly appreciated.
1 person likes this
4 responses
@teacher_hannah (47)
• Philippines
8 Apr 07
Hi! I'm an English teacher and these tips will definitely help you:
1. Read to them a story that they can relate to based on their experiences. For example, they are Chinese. You can read to them the story of The Five Chinese Brothers in English. Start with a motivation question. Engage in an interactive, engaging discussion afterwards.
2. Role playing is an engaging, interesting way to make your students speak in English. The scenarios should be something that they can relate to (ex. ordering from a fast food chain, asking for directions, etc.)
3. Music is another venue for learning English. Pop songs, children's songs and even classis songs can aid in easier recall.
NEVER EVER FINE THEM for not speaking in English. Learning English should be a positive experience for them, not an obligation.
@easyzheng (666)
• China
8 Apr 07
I really appreciate your remarks Hannah. I'll try on some of your suggestion. I did try some similar approaches before. As my students are adults(university students), games and role playing can be used once or twice, just to initiate their passion in learning, but not an efficient way to foster various communicative skills. Do you think so?
@eLder_tRee (35)
• Philippines
9 Apr 07
Yes, I agree with you eazyzheng. The younger the learners are, the easier it is to get them to talking, especially if we have a lot of activities. Young as they are, they want activities and not just classroom activities, and they have the inclination to learn something new. But as the ladder goes up (well I'm not saying that university students do not have that inclination), it is just difficult to engage them to talking. I've taught elementary and have tried teaching college too, the difference is quite exhilarating. I could not think of any activities that are appropriate for their ages.
@antgumabay_29 (83)
• Philippines
15 Apr 07
In my own assessment, you can use different reinforcements . These are things that keep them motivated. Such as good grades, positive praises, candies, chocolates or anything that makes them inspired.You can entice their attention by having some games(with regards to your lesson of course).
@easyzheng (666)
• China
15 Apr 07
Thank you very much for your advice.I'll try some of the techniques in my class.
@easyzheng (666)
• China
8 Apr 07
That's really a very good idea. my students complain that reading materials in textbook are boring. Column is a good supplement. I'll try some. Thanks.
@lucy67 (819)
• China
10 Apr 07
the same problem often confuses me too. as English teachers in China, we should not only help students get high marks in exams but also try to make our classes lively and interesting. though the two things are not always contradictory, it's really a challenge to most teachers especially when we have to teach a large class with more than 40 or 50 students. i have been trying interactive teaching approach and i think it's helpful. i design different teaching activities so that students can interact with me and their peers.
@easyzheng (666)
• China
15 Apr 07
Thank you Lucy. From your description, I got the impression that you are teaching high graders instead of little kids. I think it more challenging to teach grown-ups because they are more reluctant to speak out.
