Teacher Discussion Forums

I'm teaching 2 BE classes and have hit a brick wall with one of them. The one group I have is progressing well and I'm very satisfied with them. The other group I like as well it is just that their level is waaaaay to low for the book they're using. I would really like to be creative in the class and have had success in the past (almost 10 yrs teaching experience), but I'm at a school we I've been instructed to strictly stick to the book. I've discussed this problem a few times with the owner of the school and he keeps wavering. At first he told me that if the students are happy then ok. Now he has sent an email stating that we are to stick only to the book. I'm thinking of quitting, but I like my students and see the progress when I introduce my own plan. I want to help build their vocabulary and introduce more simple texts related to business. But that darned BE book!
Also my students in both groups have strongly objected to homework (they work 12-hour days for God's sake), but the owner of the school continually insists I assign homework that they have yet to do (have had the classes for 2 months). Any advice appreciated.

perhaps you can stick to the book _and use supplemental learning material to simplify the lessons in the book. i'm under the impression that is what most teachers do. you could also try to incorporate role playing into the lessons in their book.

I sometimes find muyself in the same 'trap'.

I go through the chapters on schedule, i use the topics in the chapters as a guide, but dumb it down.
For example, if I should be eliciting meanings of vocab, I sometimes just go through and explain it.

This way the management (of school and the students HR) can see that the book has been coverered, and the students get something.
I assign homework that I know will not get done, and then ask if it done next class, but never check it. SS are after all adults.

This is not good teaching, but sometimes you get caught between a rock and a hard place.

You are also setting up the SS for failure. However if there is a test at the end and they fail, let them. Firstly the head of the school will get their ass kicked by the client, if they loose a future contract it is the only way they will learn.
Secondly, if an elementary student is doing a pre-intermediate book and passes they will expect to move to intermediate. Reality is they are probably still elementary.

My aim would be to make the classes the least painful for self and the SS.

You should always adapt the materials to the students, and not the other way round. As a BE teacher, the book is your tool, and if it's the wrong tool for the job, it will be a disservice to the students.

I have found myself in similar situations before, and I know how tough it can be. Keep pushing, Tirico. I take it that the owner is not a language professional, but you are.

Best of luck





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