Korean Job Discussion Forums

[sonicmatt]

I was wondering if any of you with teaching experience either back home or here as an ESL teacher could give me some words of wisdom on how to be a more effective teacher. I really want to try and get better as a teacher but sometimes I feel it is a learn as you go process. Since the orientations or workshops GEPIK offers do not address ideas or ways to be more effective but instead address new contracts or whatever. Any help or ideas would greatly appreciated.

[blade]

Sonicmatt check out ddeubel's site http://eflclassroom.ning.com/ I think you might find it very helpful.

Blade.

[MissT]

How long have you been teaching at your school? What level are you teaching? I'd try to make improvements to the management of your classes things you can put into your portfolio.

You might want to implement some changes in the new school year to make things run more smoothly such as seating plans, a classroom rule poster, etc.

I found that using stickers for student participation was an excellent way to increase motivation at the middle school level. If you are at a public school you can have the students put these stickers on a chart and they can be used towards their participation grades. Even the shyest students in my classes wanted to participate because in their words, "Teacher, we are sticker hungry!" My CT's went along with this and they really liked how well it worked on student behavior and motivation.

A rule poster is very simplistic, but it's so great. I only have 4 rules, and everyone must follow them (Everyone must join, Be prepared, Be polite, and No cellphones). If they forget, there is no excuse because it's right there in front of them everyday. If they break a rule... remove or X a sticker (see above).

Revamp last years curriculum, make it better with Power Points, better worksheets and use lots of images from the internet.

Try doing something totally new to you. For example, if you haven't used music in your class before, why not take a chance and try using a pop, rock or a children's song to teach the targeted language?

Good luck!

[ddeubel]

Blade,

Thanks for the kind words. I"m really humbled by all the fine teachers participating and sharing.

I agree too with trying to "risk" more. It isn't easy to break from our old assumptions as to "what is teaching" but if we can just take a deep breath and try something new - it often is like opening the window and letting some fresh air in. However, I always caution teachers to experiment and change things first with their "better" classes. Most teachers change things up in their "worst" classes and then get disappointed. It should be done the other way around.

I just put up a blog post with some nice tips. See the presentation Tips from the Trenches here. I"m also about to post up a nice practical one - a short run down of a presentation I'll be giving a number of times in the next few months...I'll post a link shortly.

Lots of fine examples of great teaching from other teachers on EFL Classroom 2.0 - to give suggestions as to what to try...

DD
http://eflclassroom.com