Teach English in BAngjun Zhen - Tianjin

Establishing rapportRapport. What is it, why is it important to establish rapport in a TEFL class and how can it be established? In doing my research to write this article I came across quite a few definitions online. But what they all seem to basically say is that rapport is a close, harmonious relationship between two or more people in which they like, understand and respect each other. It is important to establish rapport in a TEFL class, or any class, because it plays an important role in the success of a lesson or course, in the student's enjoyment of the teacher/lesson/course (and vice versa) and in helping to facilitate learning. It helps the teacher to get to know their students better so the teacher can understand their needs in learning english and prepare lessons to fit those needs. It helps provide a positive and safe environment for the students which will help increase their desire to be in class and to learn. I think one of the most important things to know about establishing rapport is to do it on the very first day of a course. This can be done in a variety of ways. The teacher should arrive to class before the students and leave after them. This makes the students feel welcome when they first arrive. It also helps them to not feel rushed to leave when the class ends or feel as if the teacher is anxious for the students to leave. This also makes the students feel as if the teacher is easily accessible, if they want to ask questions, ask for help, discuss an issue, etc before or after the class. On the first day of the course, the teacher should introduce herself or himself and tell the students a bit about their background, hobbies, interests, and how much she or he is looking forward to teach them. The teacher can use ice breaking activities/games to get to know the students and for the students to get to know the other students. For example, in the Adjective Name Game, the students are paired up to come up with an adjective to describe their partner that starts with the same letter as their first name, i.e., Musical Mary, Athletic Andrew. Then they share it with the rest of the class. This game is very useful for the teacher to learn the student's names, which is another way of establishing rapport. The information that comes out of this and other games can be used to tailor and plan lessons to fit the needs and interests of the students. Encouragement and praise can help establish rapport. The teacher should encourage and praise the students for efforts they make. They shouldn't say a student is wrong or criticize them for making a mistake. Doing so may decrease the student's confidence which may inhibit their learning. They should allow the students to correct each other but in a good/respectful way. Humor can be useful. If the teacher is able to laugh at herself or himself when they make a mistake, it demonstrates to the students that it is okay to make mistakes and to laugh about them, within reason. It also demonstrates that the lesson/course doesn't have to be so rigid but fun. Body language is important. The teacher should maintain good eye contact with the students when they speak. But the teacher should be careful not to stare or make any negative facial expressions. They can use lively and positive gestures when listening and speaking to the students. For example, the teacher should not cross their arms when a student is speaking. This may make the student feel as though the teacher is not really interested in what they are saying. Smiling is an excellent way to show the students that the teacher is friendly, approachable, and enjoys what she or he does. In summary, if a good, respectful relationship is established at the beginning of a course between teacher and students and between students themselves, it will help increase the enjoyment of a course and help facilitate learning for both the teacher and students.