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The unit 5 on 'Managing Classes' was very useful and interesting as it provided essential guidelines on how to manage a classroom whether big or small, as well as providing a good set of examples Do's and Dont's in a classroom, which can either help build a good or induce a bad teacher/student rapport in the long run. The section on 'Eye contact, gesture and the voice' was very interesting as gesture and voice have a key role when it comes to effective teaching behaviour. The section on 'Grouping Students' also provided to insight on how to get students involved in the learning and studying process by arranging them is the best/most effective grouping process. Each grouping has its plus and minuses depending on the class size, class level and pace at which students are learning English. The difference between teacher talking time and student talking time stressed in the unit was also very insightful, and helped give an idea on how to both to effectively run a lesson. The section on 'Giving Instructions' provided a good set of advice on how to instruct effectively, such as using simple language, using visual clues such as flash cards, mime and being very consistent with our wording when giving out instructions. Furthermore I also really appreciate reading the last two sections on 'Establishing Rapport' and 'Maintaining Discipline' I felt these two sections were the main points about effective classroom management. 'Establishing Rapport' - Because establishing a good rapport between the teacher and students is key to determine the success of a class and encourage students to take part in the lesson, and thus create a stimulating atmosphere in the classroom for both the students and teacher. If the rapport between teacher and students is bad, to begin with or is not maintained students may be less motivated to participate in the lesson, the teacher may get frustrated and students may not even want to come to the class anymore. 'Maintaining Discipline' - Because for an effective lesson and classroom engagement to take place a good balance between the teacher's respect for students and student's respect towards their teacher and classmates is necessary and needs to be put in place at the start of the year. Students come from different backgrounds and each one of them as a different life story which the teacher may not be aware of, and for some students, their background may have an impact on their behaviour in the classroom, which may or may not result in a problematic behaviour. That is why it is necessary for a future teacher to know how to handle problems linked to student behaviour when it arises and how to best prevent it and respond to it, in the best diplomatic way possible.
