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Unit 20 presents common situations that new ESL teachers must deal with. In a new teaching position the teacher will be meeting a new classes for the first time. In these classes it is important to establish rapport with the students and set the tone for the rest of the course. Some new classes are already familiar with EFL teaching while some are not. In the classes where students are unfamiliar with EFL methodology the teacher has to establish rapport between the class members. When faced with a first lesson the teacher SHOULD NOT resort to the course book but try to use activities that will: * Establish rapport among all the members of the class, students and teachers. * Find out about the students interests. This will be used to design lessons and activities. * Find out about the students' needs and goals for learning English. This will also be used to design lessons and activities. * Find out the English level of each student. This will also be used to design lessons and activities. What activities can be used to find student interests, needs and language level? * Questionnaire/Survey : students interview each other using questionnaire and give feedback to class. This allows students to get to know each other. * Keep Talking Board Game : students have to talk about the topic of the square they land on. * Pass the Ball Game : whomever catches the ball has to answer the question given to them by the thrower. Warm up activities are important to get the class motivated and inspired to learn. Typical warm up activities include : * hangman : can be review vocabulary or to introduce new words. * pictionary : also can be review vocabulary or to introduce new words. * tongue twisters : good for pronunciation of problem sounds. There are several methods for dealing with students who are at many different levels. * use different materials : students grouped by level and materials appropriate to each level are given. * same material different tasks : students grouped by level and tasks appropriate to each level are given. * don't do anything : students are responsible for keeping up * pair stronger students with weaker ones. Large classes present other challenges, I have heard many public schools in China can have 40 - 50 students per class. The following tips can be used to handle large classes more effectively. * pair or group work : mitigate difficulty of getting all students involved. * clarity : teacher needs to have larger writing on board and to project voice. * group leaders : leaders get other students involved. * large classes can be more dynamic and dramatic. In many ESL classes there students have a tendency to start using their native language. The following tips can be used to reduce student tendency to use their native language. * design lessons that are not too difficult for the students. * explanations should be clear and concise. * teacher should always respond in English. * keep reminding students to use 'English only' ESL teachers should encourage students who don't want to talk or participate. Here are Do not try to put shy students 'on the spot' by calling on them. Use other activities like pair work, or role play that force them to talk out loud but are less intimidating.
