The importance of planning lessons
Planning lessons also includes seating arrangements don't forget.
Get a notebook and jot down how you see your lesson going in your head, from the warmer to the presentation to the summary. This doesn’t mean you’re teaching by numbers; it just gives you a basic framework.
On entering the classroom
On your first day as a teacher, winging it is not an option.
The best way to be confident is to be prepared. Have a broad idea of how your first few lessons are going to go. If you can get hold of a lesson plan or course book beforehand, then wonderful. If not, at least have a ‘getting to know you’ type of lesson up your sleeve.
Ways of teaching
Do you know your TBL from your ESA and CLT?
Great debates rage as to whether PPP is outdated, if TPR works for everyone and if ESA is really PPP in disguise. The good news is that the basics remain simple – keep students entertained and give them a chance to use what they are learning.
Edutainment is all about balance
Postbox letter from James
Having been in the edutainment game for most of the last 17 years, the key, I find, is find a good balance.
Incorporating community language learning in your class
A great 4-skills lesson for intermediate level English Language learners
This 4-part lesson plan (LP) is intended for roughly 8 to 15 intermediate to high intermediate level students. In my experience, many English Language classes last about 2 hours, so I’m estimating about 30 minutes for each part, which should provide ample time.
Three fun warm-up activities
Games designed to get students focused on using English and getting comfortable with their classmates.
Have fun with these games and consider joining in with your students! Great EFL warm-up activities really set the tone for a great class. Enjoy!
Stop that noise!
8 classroom management strategies to regain control of your noisy classroom
With these 8 tips, I was able to feel more in control of my classroom, and I believe that they can help you too!
Teaching very young learners
Whatever your gender you should feel confident to teach students of any age.
I quickly learned that teaching very young learners requires a lot of energy but it also energizes you at the same time. I was pretty nervous about teaching five and six year old students but in the end I have found something which I really enjoy.
Things I admire about the Thai education system
Foreign teachers shouldn't knock it as much as they do.
Some teachers like to put the boot into Thai high schools - but I’ve recently been looking at it in a new light and have seen lots of positives.
I'm starting to enjoy edutainment
Edutainment is the idea that teachers should entertain and not just teach students. Teachers should be like game show hosts or performers in the classroom.
Chances are that your employer in Thailand will put some pressure on you to add some edutainment to help them keep students and get good reviews. If you can’t do this then you’ll probably be looking for a new job pretty soon.
