Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Smee]

Hi,
I've been browsing some threads about teaching "conversation," but am still a little stumped when it comes to my middle school afterschool "conversation" class. I have 8-10 students (should have 36, but I don't know where the others are), and they're a mixed bag. One girl has very good English, and is very polite, pleasant, and participatory. Another boy has decent English, but he can be kind of a *beep*---doesn't feel the need to pay attention in class, or study, or do any of the inclass activities. Two girls either sleep or write on the desk, and have an extremely low level of English. Four girls are interested, but their level is a bit low, but I enjoy having them in class.

Well, aside from forcing my way through some reading and writing (something from "Teen Talk" and written discussion questions), are there any suggestions for effective mixed-level classes like this? I guess it'd be best to givfe each student something unique to work on, that suits their level and interests, but I haven't the time to prepare something like that. The teacher before me gave them grammar worksheets and would watch movies, so I guess that's one way to get through the term. *cough*

Any tips, or should I just furrow my brow and grind my way through it?

[Snowkr]

Movies are definitely a good idea but not regularly. There is a movie called Cellular (with Kim Basinger) that is amazing for low level students and really keeps their interest. Maybe just show little 20 minute segments each day and make sure you have some sort of discussion activity prepared...

Another really fun and kind of noisy activity is whiteboard Taboo... have a student (or 2) sit with their backs facing the board and then write something (ie:World Cup) and then list 3 taboo words or phrases that they must not use such as : "soccer, international sport, or the name of some famous player" and have the class attempt to describe the target word(s) to the person in the front.
My students really like doing this one with me sitting against the board having to guess what's on it. I think this can often be modified to really fit any level and can take up a good amount of time.