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This unit introduces the most common problem situations that teachers can encounter in the classroom and also suggest ways of dealing with them.
A teacher will be faced with meeting a number of new classes for the first time. The teacher should try to use activities that will establish rapport between the students and also between the teacher and the class; and find out about the students, their needs/aspirations with English and the English level of each individual class member. These will enable the teacher to plan future lesson to cater to the students’ needs and interest. Some activities can be used are questionnaire/survey, ‘Tell us about’ game, “Pass the ball” game and Needs analysis.
It is important to make short, fun, communicative activities to warm up the class to inspire and motivate students. Some typical warmer ideas are hangman, pictionary, tongue twisters and memory games. They are especially useful if they can be linked in to the Study phase of the lesson.
That the students are at varying levels is one of the biggest problems which teachers face. It can be prevented by entrance level test but not totally. Teachers can deal with this issue by using different materials, or same materials but different tasks. Sometimes, the teacher needn’t do anything so that the gap in level shouldn't increase. However, this may make the weaker students feel frustrated or the stronger ones bored. Pairing strong students with weaker ones is another effective solution but care should be taken to not let the stronger students dominate them and do all the work, while the weaker students are little more than onlookers.
Large classes can lead to a number of problems to the teacher such as equal involvement of the students and classroom management. A number of techniques can be employed to create successful and enjoyable classes such as using worksheets, pair/group work, clarity, choral repetition, appoint group leader and dynamics.
Having the students practicing and improving their English language skills are teachers's responsibility. Teachers should use appropriate activities to students’ levels and explain clearly to the students. The use of English should be constantly encouraged where appropriate and teachers only respond to English.
Due to some cultural, intimidation or confidence issues, some students may not want to talk or participate in class. Teachers should also encourage students to speak by using plenty of pair work, controlled practice, role-play or a tape recorder.
Most students in nearly every nationality encounter with difficulties with listening texts. Teachers need to make sure the quality of the tape and the appropriate volume. Besides, there are quick and low students. Teachers should prepare extra work for quicker students.
