Teacher Discussion Forums

I have an evening business class that I teach oral English to once a week. They are very nice but the ability range is very wide (elementary to intermediate). With my more active students it's not such a problem but I have some older low-level students that really slow the class down and make other students impatient. Other than lack of confidence, I think the main problem is giving instructions. If they are not given in L1, no matter how simple, they just stare at me nervously.
How can I help them while not making the lesson really boring for my high-level or even low-level but active students?

Oh, sorry, let me clarify. It's any instructions to speak to interact with another student, they are ok if it's individual work.

Hi Miggy,

Somehow I get the feeling that the instructions are not the root problem. Maybe they feel nervous when they have to practise with students of higher ability, for example.

Generally, students at elementary level take general English before they move on to Business English. However, if you have a mixed ability class, you can give them different tasks. For example, you could give them different roleplays, but on the same objective. Of course, another issue to look at may be status - would they be offended by being given 'easier' tasks?


Emile






my site: www.roadtogrammar.com

Yes, that's a good idea - although it's true about status issues. I think I'll privately ask them if they would prefer easier tasks, this way they won't feel insulted - and if they prefer to stay at the same level, well... just have to encourage them to be more confident...

Fantastic! They loved it! They asked for more! And later in the lesson they did freer speaking too.