Do you want to be TEFL or TESOL-certified and teach in XinshAncun Jiedao? Are you interested in teaching English in Chongqing? Check out ITTT’s online and in-class courses, Become certified to Teach English as a Foreign Language and start teaching English ONLINE or abroad! ITTT offers a wide variety of Online TEFL Courses and a great number of opportunities for English Teachers and for Teachers of English as a Second Language.
Motivation in the ClassroomThere are many reasons why people take on English classes in today?s world. Some learn because they are expected too, some because they want to live or work overseas, others want to add to their own personal qualifications, and so on, but once all these people are in the classroom, their success comes down to one thing - and that is motivation in the classroom. Immediately, some students will be more keen on learning than others, but it is then up to the teacher to build an environment that brings each students motivation levels up to the highest possible degree. The starting point for building a successfully motivated class is the teacher herself. Building an immediate rapport with the students is an important step, as it allows everyone to participate without fear of intimidation. By showing personal interest in each individual, and knowing their names, it builds up a relationship straight away. The teacher must be understanding, kind, patient, maintain discipline, yet keep the class friendly and lively. Motivation staggers if a class room becomes monotone and boring, so the teacher must carry out a number of tasks to maintain interest. Keeping students focused, means they will absorb more from the lesson as well as wanting to participate. The teacher should keep activities at random to keep the students alert, as well as not letting certain students take all the lime light while other students remain quiet and withdrawn, instead, ask those nervous, unsure students simpler questions and remember to praise throughout the course. Having good knowledge, with confidence and clear instructions will ensure that information is understood. While creating a lesson plan, the teacher should be organised with materials that interest and motivate students, like creating examples that they can use in everyday life. As well as this, try and vary materials, or build interest if topics don't jump out at the class by themselves. During the engage stage, alternate with pictures, mimes, realia, contrasts, along with the study stages, swap from gap fills to word searches, crosswords, drilling, texts, to keep the students interested. Activate stages can also be varied, again, using scenarios or productions on subjects that are popular among class mates, or useful in the outside world. By building the right frame of minds within a classroom, as well creating a friendly and open rapport with students, even the least willing participant will feel part of a group and be encouraged and motivated to learn. By keeping materials interesting and constantly changing, students will remain focused and absorb the lessons that the teacher has planned and prepared in advance. And of course, allowing the students to give their own feedback at the end of the lessons will make them feel like they are totally involved with their own progress within the course.
