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The last unit of this course gives an overview of some of the most common problem situations that teachers can encounter when in classroom, as well as ways of dealing with them. When meeting students for the first time, teacher should establish rapport with them, and set the tone for the rest of the course. These classes can be divided in two types: new group, where students don’t know each other; and existing group, where students are comfortable with each other, and familiar with EFL methodology.
In these situations an experienced teacher will use various activities (such as questionnaire or survey, ‘Tell us about’ board game, pass the ball, or needs analysis) in order to establish rapport between the students, teacher and the class; find out about their needs and aspirations, as well as the English level of individual students.
Warmers (fun but short activities such as hangman, Pictionary, tongue twisters, or memory games) should be used at the beginning of each class to motivate and warm students up so they could successfully engage in study phase.
One of the biggest problems teachers face is a group where students are at varying levels. Ways to deal with this problem are the following: using different materials (two groups of students); or same material but different tasks; not doing anything; or pairing stronger students with weaker one. Best is to use mix of those techniques so class can progress more smoothly.
Large classes are another problem teachers may face. In order to involve all the students and maintain control teacher should do the following: be clear, appoint group leaders, use worksheets, pair or group work, and choral repetition.
Use of native language can be problem in monolingual classes. To avoid this, teacher should make sure that explanations are clear, activities are at appropriate level, encourage students to use English, only respond to English, and constantly remind the students.
Reluctant students can be encouraged to participate using the following activities: pair work, controlled practice, role-play, and a tape recorder.
Difficulties with listening texts are very common problem among students of all nationalities, and teacher should practice students’ listening skills.
Another problem is students who finish tasks early, so teacher should keep a selection of extra activities/materials to keep them busy, and they don’t get bored.
