Hello hello! So one class finishes and another begins - a new wave of students. The key in the first lesson is to set the tone and have students eating out the palm of your hand. And there are some useful tips to do this.... obvious but useful 😎
1 - Avoid starting the textbook in the first lesson (unless beginners). This can be overwhelming for some students since they still might be feeling rather uneasy. So you need to break the ice and develop the atmosphere that is to remain for the rest of the course. Tasks like getting to know each other, fun vocab games, interesting group work like "Find the mistakes in these 10 sentences" can build a team spirit and familiarity. Not only that, but you as a teacher can identify students' strengths and weaknesses so that when you start the book, you'll be in a better position to accommodate the needs of the individual student.
2 - Be in your classroom before the first student arrives. They appear in a rather nervous state and there is nothing worse than when students settle into their new classroom in complete silence. When the teacher finally arrives, that apprehension can double. By being present before the first victim enters your domain, you can start talking to them, comfort them thus putting them at ease. The next student arrives, you introduce them to each other = relaxed atmosphere and you're ready to do work.
3 - Often explaining what students are to expect during the course with regards to material, themes, frequency of homework, that it's alright to make mistakes, this will give students perspective and will give them stronger goals rather than "work from lesson to lesson." I usually conduct many fun and challenging tasks like in point (1) and when the desired atmosphere has been created, I set the class expectations. Whatever your class principles are, this is the time to explain. Once you set these points.... stick to them!!!
4 - So we're not doing the book first lesson, but also try not to give so much in the way of "paper." Some students may find this overwhelming and can end up being an organisational nightmare. Have a couple of sheets, obviously, but don't overload them. Do remind them to keep their paperwork (your handouts) clearly organised or the likelihood is that your hard work may never be looked at again. Make use of the board but a) have notes on the board before they arrive to class or b) Have printed material that you can stick to the board in seconds. It's your choice. But its all about putting students at ease in that vital first lesson.
5 - In your first lesson, your legs should ache by the end of it. Assert your "presence/charisma" by standing, using the class space by approaching students, monitoring pair work, praising appropriately. Rarely sit down!!! So your students will be at ease and you won't come across as passive but rather dynamic. Those who attended my recent Moscow seminar on Cambridge Exams will have noticed that for 6 hours I did not sit down once.
So my dear friends, these tips have worked wonders for me. They will for you, too 😊
p.s Online classes are slightly different (moving out the way of your webcam constantly may be a bit weird). And if you work for a school that has a gun at your head insisting you follow their "magic methods," well, you discuss that with your boss!
Comments: 0
Post a Comment