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This unit covers a handful of potential problems teachers might have in a classroom setting. These included, first lessons, warming up, classes with different levels, large classes, using their native language, reluctant students, and problems with listening texts.
First lessons can have a intimidating vibe to them. It's important for the teacher to establish rapport with their students and to set the tone of the course. You could either encounter a new group whose students don't know each other and who probably don't have much EFL experience, or you could have an existing group whose students are familiar with each other and are more likely to have some language learning experience. A number of tips and activities were giving to cope with this situation (i.e. finding out each student's individual language level by conducting a needs analysis assessment).
Warmers are also important as the set the tone for the lesson and get the students comfortable and motivated. Warmers could include a game of hangman, a tongue twister, a memory game, etc. It's anything that will engage them and get them in the English mindset.
Having a class with different levels can be challenging. This lesson gives a number of ways to combat this such as pairing weaker students with stronger ones, giving the stronger students different material that's more appropriate to their level, etc. The best way it seems would be to use a mixture of some of these so as not to create some sort of competitive edge or superior vs. inferior vibe to the class.
Large classes can be combated with the use of lots of group and pair work, worksheets, choral drilling, etc. The teacher just needs to make sure that they are involving all students equally.
It's natural for students to want to use their native language as a means of clarifying either for themselves or for their friends. Their language does not need to be banned from class, but should be insisted that its use should be only when absolutely necessary. It's also important not to use the students native language even if you know it in no circumstance. Some tips were given (i.e. only respond to English, etc.).
Sometimes there will be students who are reluctant to participate in activities. This could be from confidence issues to cultural to intimidation. However, to get around this, a teacher can use lots of group and pair work, role- play, outside recordings, etc.
Sometimes a students or a group of students will have trouble with the listening activity. The first thing to do would be to decide if it's an issue with the cassette or an issue with the listeners.
I like that this unit gave me a rundown of a handful of quick problems I could potentially come across in a classroom. These don't have to be discouraging, rather challenges that I will have to navigate through during my career as an EFL teacher.
