Desperate housewives
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Desperate housewives
OK, so I've got a small group (probably 3, maybe 4) of local housewives desperately wanting to improve their conversational English. I've 'taught' conversational classes before, but usually 1-on-1. Now I'm a little daunted in handling 3 or 4 students at the same time, particularly as I fail to see how I can keep everyone happy - surely only one person can speak at a time? Anyone have any ideas as to the best way to keep everyone happy, including myself?!
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joshua2004
- Posts: 264
- Joined: Sat Nov 20, 2004 7:08 pm
- Location: Torreon, Mexico
There are a variety of ideas you can use. In addressing "keeping them all happy", you need to give them a task to do "together." Depending on their level of English, you can have them try to read a small article or simply a sentence which describes some interesting picture. Or maybe give them various questions to ask in a topic such as "family" or "restaurant". Having them trying to understand them "together."
The key I have found in working small groups is to make them rely on each other for support by soliciting that support once you are asked. That is to say, when someone asks you "what does chair mean?", you role model for that student asking someone else in the group "hey, do you know what chair means?" I am serious about doing this "role modeling" for even adults! I have worked with lots of adults and I have found this is necessary in order for them to start learning from each other. I believe it is because they don't want to burden their classmates with their questions. But once they see it is "OK" to ask, then they naturally ask each other first and then if they can't find the answer they will ask you.
Focus on giving the group tasks which are difficult that they cannot complete individually, but as a group, four heads are better than one, they can complete more more effectively. The sense of accomplishment that comes from working together is a very powerful motivator.
If at first the women don't know each other and are hesitant to talk to one another do some silly game to get them talking. Look up "ice breakers" or "cooperative games" on Google.
That is what I suggest to adapt to your situation.
The key I have found in working small groups is to make them rely on each other for support by soliciting that support once you are asked. That is to say, when someone asks you "what does chair mean?", you role model for that student asking someone else in the group "hey, do you know what chair means?" I am serious about doing this "role modeling" for even adults! I have worked with lots of adults and I have found this is necessary in order for them to start learning from each other. I believe it is because they don't want to burden their classmates with their questions. But once they see it is "OK" to ask, then they naturally ask each other first and then if they can't find the answer they will ask you.
Focus on giving the group tasks which are difficult that they cannot complete individually, but as a group, four heads are better than one, they can complete more more effectively. The sense of accomplishment that comes from working together is a very powerful motivator.
If at first the women don't know each other and are hesitant to talk to one another do some silly game to get them talking. Look up "ice breakers" or "cooperative games" on Google.
That is what I suggest to adapt to your situation.
Hi!
The potential problems with a small group teaching could be based on each individual learner's personality(introvert/extrovert or talkative/reticent person) and proficiency level. I've taught ESL/EFL learners in various group settings including one-on-one. The most difficult task at a small group setting has been to give each of them the same amount of attention and to prevent one or two students from dominating conversation. There was always a person or two who preferred to dominate conversation and discussion in my class, so I tried hard not to hurt their feelings when I had to discourage their domination. Except for these difficulties, I loved my adult students who were homemakers most because they're mostly fun to be with, very generous, and enthusiastic in learning. (I've taught various age groups of students:from elementary school students to older students who're in their 60s. )
I have no doubt that you will enjoy teaching your students very much.
Good luck on your teaching!
The potential problems with a small group teaching could be based on each individual learner's personality(introvert/extrovert or talkative/reticent person) and proficiency level. I've taught ESL/EFL learners in various group settings including one-on-one. The most difficult task at a small group setting has been to give each of them the same amount of attention and to prevent one or two students from dominating conversation. There was always a person or two who preferred to dominate conversation and discussion in my class, so I tried hard not to hurt their feelings when I had to discourage their domination. Except for these difficulties, I loved my adult students who were homemakers most because they're mostly fun to be with, very generous, and enthusiastic in learning. (I've taught various age groups of students:from elementary school students to older students who're in their 60s. )
I have no doubt that you will enjoy teaching your students very much.
Good luck on your teaching!