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This unit was on Teaching Special Groups. As discussed in this unit, these groups include Beginners, Individuals (one-on-one), Young Learners, Business English students,and Mono-lingual versus Multi-lingual students. Tips were given for working with each of these different groups. Key points listed for teaching Beginners were keeping it simple, using a lot of visuals, speaking very clearly, using repetition, and dividing groups for pair work. With Young Learners, some key points were to be prepared for short attentions pans, to keep it fun and personal, and to provide a lot of varied activities. Of course, with this age group, the teacher also has to think ahead about keeping discipline in the classroom. With Individuals and with Groups meeting to learn Business English, it was suggested to do a needs analysis before starting the class. With a group, it was suggested to set aside time during the first class to have a Group Needs Negotiation. The results of these needs analysis would help dictate what would be included on the syllabus. Then advantages of teaching a Mono-lingual group was contrasted to that of teaching a multi-lingual group. Some advantages to teaching a mono-lingual discussed were that the students are culturally similar and have the ability to help each other in their native language when they begin. Also these students have common difficulties that the teacher could target. With multi-lingual groups, there is no common nature language so the students have to rely on English to communicate with each other, there is a variety of experiences within the group, and most likely, these students will have more exposure to English. However, the problems the students have vary, making it harder for the teacher to cover all problems. I really enjoyed this unit because it introduced three areas of special interest to me, working with Young Learners, working one-on-one, and working with Beginners. I have worked with elementary students for a number of years first in a private Christian School and currently in a school for the Deaf and enjoy this age group very much.
