Job Discussion Forums

[ebooktrial0001]

Hi Everyone,

All this theory I have read about in CELTA, etc. just spins my mind.

In the end, I think the real trick is simply learner engagement. I see students get bored and distracted too easily, and I do that as a learner.

Does anyone have ways to study what best engages students? I want to learn more tactics to make students focused 100% of the time.

[nomad soul]

Check out Dornyei and Czizer's following 10 Commandments for Motivating Language Learners, which were a useful guide for me regardless of the English language domain I taught:

1. Set a personal example with your own behavior.
2. Create a pleasant, relaxed atmosphere in the classroom.
3. Present the tasks properly.
4. Develop a good relationship with the learners.
5. Increase the learner’s linguistic self-confidence.
6. Make the language classes interesting.
7. Promote learner autonomy.
8. Personalize the learning process.
9. Increase the learners’ goal-orientedness.
10. Familiarize learners with the target language culture.

Source: http://www.zoltandornyei.co.uk/uploads/1998-dornyei-csizer-ltr.pdf
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[MuscatGary]

I always think pace is important. Too fast and they lose interest due to being unable to understand. Too slow and boredom sets in. Getting pace right is tricky in mixed-ability classes though.

[Dr X]