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This unit explains some of the problem situations that may occur when teaching English, and how to avoid or resolve them. The first lesson should be used to establish rapport among students (if we are talking about a new group and the students do not know each other), in the existing group students already know each other and this has already been done, and the rapport between the teacher and the students. With activities, such as pass the ball (the teacher passes the ball to one student and asks a question, the student passes the ball to another student and asks a question, and so on), different questionnaires and needs analysis, the teacher can learn more about students? level of English and more about their interests. To motivate students short, fun activities, also known as warmers, can be used. The teacher can use hangman, dictionary, memory game, and many others. If they can be connected with the Study phase of the lesson, even better. Another problem that teachers may have, when teaching English, can be having a class with students with different levels of English. To deal with this problem, the teacher can use different materials (e.g. split the class in two groups and give them different materials, easier for lower level), use the same material but different tasks, do not change anything (let the stronger students help the weaker ones), or pair the stronger student with the weaker one. If the class is to big teacher might have difficulties to keep all of them involved in the lesson. In this case use of worksheets, pair/group work, appointing a group leader, and choral repetition can be beneficial. Sometimes the students use native language in the classroom. The teacher can allow use of the native language if is absolutely necessary, but try to avoid it with constant reminding, only responding to English, clear explanations, and making sure all the activities are at an appropriate level. Another problem that might emerge in the classroom can be a reluctant student. Sometimes there are students in the classroom that, for some reason, do not want to participate in the lesson. If that happens use of pair work, role-play, and controlled practice can be used. In this unit I read and learned about different problems that I could have in a classroom as a future teacher. The class can be too big, some students may need more motivation then others, there might be students that would prefer to use native language or even do not want to be part of the activities. The first step is to notice and identify what the problem might be and adapt yourself and activities to the situation at hand. It might be hard to do that at the beginning, but more experiences the teacher has the easier it gets.
