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Unit 20 addresses several troubling situations, giving suggestions on how to deal with a number of potential problems. Among these are when you have very large classes, when you have students who are reluctant to participate, when you are starting a new class, when students are frequently resorting to using their native language, and when there are students of differing levels in the same class. With very large classes there are several helps indicated in this unit. Using more worksheets gives students a chance to participate w least in some respect. Using pairs or group work is a good alternative, and assigning leaders to groups who are more advanced perhaps, can be helpful. Choral repetition is useful for large groups as well. It is always helpful to make sure instructions for each activity are understood with clarity so there is less confusion. If the students are tending to use their native language more than you would like, it is helpful for the teacher to make sure she /he is teaching material that is at an appropriate level for the students. Also, clear explanations here are very important so the students don't have to explain it to each other. Demonstrations can come in handy for this. A teacher may have to constantly remind (in good spirit) the students to speak English as well. Continuous and frequent encouragement is also a plus. With a class of students that are of different levels, it is useful to pair stronger students with weaker students. Or a teacher can divide the class in two groups and give the students different materials and different tasks to do. This may be a challenge, for the teacher must make sure he/she is spending equal time with both groups. Or the teacher can just use different materials for the stronger or weaker student. It may be useful to have some additional worksheets, such as crosswords or wordfinds, available for students who complete their work sooner than the other students. When starting a new group of students, it is important to make the students comfortable and motivated for the class. Introductions are necessary, of course, teacher to students, as well as students to each other. Getting to know each other can help to ease the tension involved in a new situation and make the students more motivated and willing to participate. Some warmers such as hangman, pass the ball, and pictionary are also good for making the students feel more motivated and relaxed. These and other suggestions were covered in the last unit. They are all very helpful ideas to keep in mind.
