Some things are better left unsaid. There are certain subjects which should – in general – be avoided in your English teaching classroom, especially when you are working abroad and are (effectively) a guest in a foreign country. These subjects include: Sex Religion Politics Taboo Words The simplest rule is […]
Continue ReadingSeating Arrangements in your English Classroom
There are many different seating arrangements available to you, the teacher, and lessons can be enhanced by paying attention to them. Unfortunately many teachers keep the same seating arrangement for the entire lesson, and throughout the academic year and then throughout their career. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different […]
Continue ReadingScaffolding
I think we have all found that giving clear instructions to our students, especially lower proficiency students, can be a real challenge. We quickly learn that giving only oral instructions can be futile in getting our students to understand what it is we want them to do. The temptation is […]
Continue ReadingRote Learning in TEFL
Rote Learning is an old-fashioned method of learning by continuous repetition. It is derived from the idea that if a student says something enough times they will learn it and be able to produce it when the time comes. In English it is also called learning by heart however there […]
Continue ReadingRole Playing in the TEFL Classroom
Role Plays or Simulations are an extremely valuable method for learning and practicing the English in your TEFL/TESOL classroom. Essentially the students are placed in a certain fictitious situation where they must use English. It allows creativity on the part of the student and offers a freer practice than written […]
Continue Reading