Tips Of The Trade!

On this page I am offering up a list of ideas that you can use to help you in class. I have tried to cover a range of topics, draw from a number of sources, and present only the most pertinent teaching tips for you to keep in mind while teaching (Oh - and I have tried not to be too generic.).

Aside from that, this page has also been created to encourage you to get involved. So, if you have any teaching ideas or would like to collaborate with me on a video highlighting some of your proven methods – then contact me here. I would love to hear from you.
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Tips For Success - Fundamental (but not generic) Teaching Advice To Help You!

The following tips and ideas are based on experience and research - I hope you find at least some of these points helpful. ​​

Teacher Talk 
  • Give clear instructions: The role that good, clear instruction plays in the smooth running of a class cannot be underestimated. It sets a good foundation for future learning and helps the students feel empowered because they understand what is required of them. There is nothing more frustrating for a student than not knowing what the teacher wants them to do. 

Teacher’s Questions (Check out my blog posts on the topic.)
  • Use your questions wisely: Teachers may use questions in class for a variety of reasons. They might be used to help students focus on a particular aspect or element of the language, to exert disciplinary control, to get feedback, to check comprehension, or even to encourage student participation. Therefore, it is very important that a teacher knows how questions can be used for various pedagogical and classroom management reasons.
  • ICQ: Instruction Comprehension Question: These questions are used to ensure your students really understand what is expected of them in a given activity. Good questions can be things like ‘Billy, what do we do first?’ or “Mary, if the ball hits the wall do I get any points?”
  • CCQ: Comprehension Checking Questions: These questions can be used to check a student’s comprehension. Examples of good questions could be “Bob, where is the dog going?” or “What is the name of the dog?”

Develop Autonomous Learners
  • Teach them how to fish: It is very important that teachers help their students learn how to learn. We can do this by teaching our students strategies they can use to develop their language skills outside of the classroom (check out my posts on mnemonics (note: mnemonics can be a blessing and a curse) and retrieval practice).
  • Habits lead to results: Help your students develop positive (and effective) study habits by coaching them in the art of time management, task selection and importance, and goal setting. These three factors can all work together to help your students become more empowered learners. 

Be Professional
Student Talk
  • Have discussions: As teachers we should really try to ensure that our students get the opportunity to engage in real acts of communication. One way we can do this by encouraging our students to contribute their own ideas, thoughts, and opinions on things they find interesting, instead of just sticking rigidly to a set plan that is chosen and controlled by the teacher. (Note: This does not mean a teacher should not have a structure to their class, all it means is that we must allow our students to contribute to the class.)
  • Understand the students abilities: Increasing student talk time is very important, however with low-level students this can be a little tricky - since they don't have the linguistic ability to actually contribute a great deal (I know this from when I first began studying Korean - I wanted to talk, but I just couldn't). With low-level students it is very important to offer quality input and have students make examples and contribute as much as possible. It is also important for the teacher to provide exemplars for students to mirror.
  • The learning environment matters: Encourage your students to make mistakes as this may reduce the amount of tension and stress the student may be feeling.
 
Dealing With Problems
  • Don’t get stressed: If a student makes a mistake just be patient. Learning a language inevitably requires learners to make mistakes (And why do we call it a mistake? It is not a mistake – it is a learning opportunity!), so don’t take it to mean they are ‘bad’ students or that you are a ‘bad’ teacher.
  • Things will go wrong: Like Murphy said - “If something can go wrong, it will.”  It doesn’t matter how much you plan, sometimes in the classroom things do go wrong. The computer dies, the lesson is too hard, or the learners start arguing with each other. All of these things, and more, have happened to me. In moments like these it is best not to stress. Just deal with the problem in a logical, controlled, and methodical way. One bad lesson does not equate to a bad teacher. 

Homework
  • Make homework meaningful: Yes, homework is important - but only the right type of homework (check out my post on Setting Meaningful Homework for EFL/ESL)
  • Give the students a say: Sometimes it is a good idea let the students choose their own homework - this ensures that they are actively involved in their own learning process. As the teacher, you can act as a guide and offer advice about the pros and cons of the options your students are making - but in the end, let them make the decision after consulting with you (because in many cases, students don't know what is best without expert consultation).
 
Feedback & Corrections
  • The way you make corrections and give feedback is very important to ensuring your students are learning in the most effective and efficient way. Check out my post on offering feedback and making corrections in your EFL/ESL class.

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