Teach English in HaizitAn Zhen - Wuwei Shi

This lesson taught me how to troubleshoot common problems in the classroom. Problems could vary from what to do for a first lesson, how to begin a lesson with a warmer to allow students to feel comfortable and motivated to learn, how to meet the needs of all students when there are different levels in the classroom, how to manage large classes, how to encourage the use of English over a student's native language in class, how to encourage reluctant students in class, and how to resolve difficulties with listening texts. The most important thing a teacher can do, especially at the beginning of an ongoing class, is establish relationships and rapport with his/her students and between students. Teachers should get to know their students? needs and aspirations, as well as find out their level of English. Those items should be included when planning instruction. A questionnaire or needs analysis could be used to learn about students, or a pass the ball game where students take turn passing the ball and asking their fellow classmates any question to get to know him/her. When planning lessons, it is well to begin class with a warmer, such as hangman, Pictionary, tongue twisters, or memory games. These activities will help to inspire and motivate students in class, as well as help them enjoy learning English and feel comfortable in the classroom. As the days go by, the teacher may recognize that some students learn faster than their peers and have a gap in levels among students. The teacher can differentiate by using different materials to cover the same content for those students. Alternatively, the teacher can use the same material, but have different tasks that are developmentally appropriate for the students. Some teachers may choose not to do anything and have all students do the same thing at the same pace, however, this may cause frustration among weaker students and boredom among stronger students. Heterogeneous mixing by paring stronger students with the weaker ones will allow stronger students to guide and assist their weaker peers. As teachers continue in their field, they may be blessed with small classes or large classes. Large classes can be challenging with trying to involve all student equally or having difficulties managing control. Some techniques that could be used to provide optimal learning outcomes are to use worksheets, have students do pair or group work, provide visible and audible clarity to the class, appoint group leaders to be responsible for specific tasks, and using the dynamics of the students to their advantage in keeping the classroom engaged. As teachers continue to get to know their students, they may observe students? using their native language. They should reflect and make sure their activities are at an appropriate level and that the students? have the necessary language to cope. They also need to make sure explanations are clear to ALL class members, so that no one needs to clarify or explain to each other in their native language. Students should be encouraged to use English where appropriate and should only respond in English to the teacher. The teacher can also constantly remind students to use English over their native language in the classroom, though it may be appropriate at times to help the students find a way to express themselves. Teachers may notice some reluctant students who do not want to talk to participate in class. It could be a personal issue involving culture, intimidation, or lack of confidence. The teacher should be mindful and respectful of those students and try to incorporate plenty of pair work, role-play, controlled practice, and the use of a tape recorder for students to record/express themselves outside of the classroom. Lastly, teachers may notice difficulties with listening texts. The best thing a teacher can do to resolve this issue is to pre-teach the vocabulary, but also make sure that the quality of the item being listened to is up to par and that the volume is high enough. And one more thing to add, if students do complete their work faster than their peers, extra activities, like a word search, may be prepared for the fast finishers. This course has been very informative and enlightening. The most enjoyable moment for me was watching the videos of the effective and ineffective teaching. I felt I benefitted from it very much, as well as all of the teaching ideas throughout the units, and incorporated some of the positives into my own teaching. The most challenging thing for me has been my health issues, as in recent months and the present I have been trialed with Lyme disease. Apologies for the final crunch in lesson, but do know that I have thoroughly enjoyed it all. Thank you.