How to get along with adult students?
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yuhuaisheng
- Posts: 2
- Joined: Fri May 12, 2006 4:05 am
How to get along with adult students?
I am a Chinese teacher of English. Now I am engaged in an adult training programme. The material I am using is New Concept English, Book 2.Hard I am, some students always find fault in my teaching. For example, they say that I only focus on some students, but not on them. In fact, they are telling a lie. To make it worse, one student argued with me in class two weeks ago , only because I told her not to telephone in class. I really want to know how I can get on with such people. Can you help me? Many thanks in advance.
You sound frustrated. Try to relax if possible. Some students will always try to drive you nuts--it's up to you whether you let them do so.
Here are some solutions:
1) the phoning in class problem is solved by writing down the class rules in advance, and posting them in the classroom. You can decide on the rules yourself, or you can ask the students to vote. Probably the other students don't like to hear their classmates' phone calls in class either. When one student shows bad behavior like this, try to get the rest of the students to criticize the student so you don't always have to be the class police officer.
2) The focusing only on some students problem... that's harder. You need to change their perceptions. Make sure you call on each student at least once a week. If a couple of students are always raising their hand and dominating the discussions, talk with them privately after class about letting the other students have a turn. Also, use more small-group speaking activities so that even if students don't get to talk with you directly, at least they feel like they got to talk to someone in English each class period.
Good luck.
-EH
Here are some solutions:
1) the phoning in class problem is solved by writing down the class rules in advance, and posting them in the classroom. You can decide on the rules yourself, or you can ask the students to vote. Probably the other students don't like to hear their classmates' phone calls in class either. When one student shows bad behavior like this, try to get the rest of the students to criticize the student so you don't always have to be the class police officer.
2) The focusing only on some students problem... that's harder. You need to change their perceptions. Make sure you call on each student at least once a week. If a couple of students are always raising their hand and dominating the discussions, talk with them privately after class about letting the other students have a turn. Also, use more small-group speaking activities so that even if students don't get to talk with you directly, at least they feel like they got to talk to someone in English each class period.
Good luck.
-EH
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Anuradha Chepur
- Posts: 234
- Joined: Sat Jun 10, 2006 8:33 am
- Location: India
I liked the suggestions in the last post. Teaching adults can be real fun, once we get the feel of it. In addition, you may also try these:
1. Something well begun is half accomplished. Always enter the class with a smile and greet them all with a warm smile. The rest of the class is yours!
2. Be nice to all of them and win their confidence.
3. Always wear a cheerful expression and a professional smile.
4. In a situation of the telephone-type or any other disciplinary correction, communicate it with a smile, express concern in your eyes, but keep you voice firm. With adults, we have to always be diplomatic. Take care not to sound angry or irritated. You may also try including a topic on telephone etiquette in a series of discussions.
5. Pamper them a little, and they are on your side before you know.
6. Sometimes, you may have a cynic or two in the group. Try your best to win him/her over. But do not get frustrated otherwise. Remember you can't always make every one happy. Focus on the positive people in the group.
7. A sense of humour is a wonderful tool a teacher can use to get over tricky situations and to become popular with the students.
8. Whenever you want to disagree with them, use the SAT trick, instead of disagreeing rightaway. (SAT, S = Smile, A =Agree, T = Turn the point). Instead of saying "I don't agree with you", smile and say, "Yes I agree with you, but...."
9. Make them feel you are helpful, approachable and take care to remind them that you are available for any further guidance.
10. Praise them when they deserve it.
Good luck!
1. Something well begun is half accomplished. Always enter the class with a smile and greet them all with a warm smile. The rest of the class is yours!
2. Be nice to all of them and win their confidence.
3. Always wear a cheerful expression and a professional smile.
4. In a situation of the telephone-type or any other disciplinary correction, communicate it with a smile, express concern in your eyes, but keep you voice firm. With adults, we have to always be diplomatic. Take care not to sound angry or irritated. You may also try including a topic on telephone etiquette in a series of discussions.
5. Pamper them a little, and they are on your side before you know.
6. Sometimes, you may have a cynic or two in the group. Try your best to win him/her over. But do not get frustrated otherwise. Remember you can't always make every one happy. Focus on the positive people in the group.
7. A sense of humour is a wonderful tool a teacher can use to get over tricky situations and to become popular with the students.
8. Whenever you want to disagree with them, use the SAT trick, instead of disagreeing rightaway. (SAT, S = Smile, A =Agree, T = Turn the point). Instead of saying "I don't agree with you", smile and say, "Yes I agree with you, but...."
9. Make them feel you are helpful, approachable and take care to remind them that you are available for any further guidance.
10. Praise them when they deserve it.
Good luck!