Teach English in Tongguanyi Zhen - Chongqing

Classroom managementA good atmosphere in the classroom that is conducive to learning is just as important as the material that is to be taught in the class. Classroom management is seen more as an art that is learnt practically rather than theoretically. Doing a tefl course, like this one by correspondence, while doing very well at teaching the basic theoretical know-how, will, fall down in the practical teaching requirements. This thesis will try to define some of the more practical lessons (while still in a theoretical form) that might prove helpful to beginner teachers. It is important to establish a rapport with the students as early as possible. In the first lesson, and every lesson thereafter, do everything possible to make each student feel like an individual rather than as part of a group. This does not mean that each person needs to be singled out (as this would prove contrary to what we are trying to achieve) but rather that each student feels more like a person than like a student. The teacher can do this in a number of ways: ? By learning the students? names as early as possible so that he can address them by name; ? By having good eye-contact with each individual whilst speaking with the class; ? By listening attentively when every individual speaks; and ? By using open body language. In making every student feel welcome and like an individual, it is important to try and make sure that the class doesn?t have reason to believe that the teacher has favourites as this will cause bitterness which will retract from the type of environment the teacher is trying to achieve. It is important to set up an understanding that the classroom is an area of mutual respect. If this is not properly instituted, the classroom could turn into a place of lawlessness which would prevent any efficient learning or teaching. While a myriad of books have been written on this topic, there are a few principles that can help to set up a disciplined environment while still allowing the students to be free enough to learn and have fun while doing so: The teacher needs to have a clear definition in his mind as to hat behaviour he will find acceptable and will tolerate. Having defined this, the teacher will need to set some ground rules for his classroom to ensure that the students understand what is permissible. Having said this, it is important not to make this list too long or too grievous as this would take the fun out of the lesson and make the students feel like they are at boot camp. One of the principles that should be shared is that the classroom is an area of mutual respect: where the students respect each other and the teacher shows respect to the students that is reciprocated. Once these principles have been defined, the teacher needs to ensure that it is properly enforced. Transgression will come, as this is human nature, but when it does come, the teacher needs to have gone through a few scenarios in his mind as to how he will react and what disciplinary action will be taken. If this is not done, the teacher may be caught off-guard and may react in an inappropriate way when it could easily have been dealt with. It is important that the teacher doesn?t show partiality when enforcing these principles. As stated previously, if the students pick up that some of them are favoured above others, this will not be conducive to the type of environment that we are trying to achieve. These principles apply to the daily goings-on in the classroom as well. As a result of the list of ?guiding principles? being kept concise, some things might not be covered. In which case, it is important that if such behaviour crops up, the teacher reacts in such a way that the students understand that the behaviour isn?t acceptable. It is important that the teacher keeps in mind that he needs to keep a good rapport with the students and that his reactions will set a precedent. While this may seem a little bit harsh and regimented, if these principles are implemented early on the classroom, it will allow for a good environment for environment to learn in and will actually allow for more free-flowing and fun lessons.