During this period I have been working with different
groups: First, with advanced students; then, with Basic students. In this opportunity,
I feel as if I am in the middle because I am teaching Intermediate English students.
I started my practice last Monday with a
very special group. They have great attitudes toward the language and that
makes me think that they are there because they want to learn.
At the beginning, I saw that some students were
looking at me in a strange way because they were not used to see me there, so I
tried to do my best to transmit confidence. I started the class with a quote “the best way
to succeed is by acting on the advice you give to others,” and most of students
shared their experiences and ideas. It worked as an ice breaker. Then, I continued with a warm up that made all
students laugh. They were happy, especially boys, because they won the game.
I realized that the first impression that
students have about the class and the teacher, is fundamental for the correct
development of the following activities.
During the class, I had to talk to some students
because they were doing different things that didn’t have to do with the class.
Example: Some boys were eating cookies, so I told them “mmm cookies are
delicious, but you don’t share them with the teacher.” I tried to do it in a
funny way, but they understood that they didn’t have to do it, so they kept their
cookies. There was also a girl sending messages. I got near her and told her “Ahh! You are sending messages to me. Let me check
my cellphone.” I was smiling, but the
girl told me “I am sorry teacher, I won’t do it anymore.” With those
experiences, I learned that we can correct students without being offensive or aggressive.
At the end, when my tutor gave me the feedback, he
told me that I don’t have to ask, under any circumstance, if students
understood the topic or the studied structure. He told me that teachers do not
have to do that, and I did it. In my case, students gave me good answers
because when I asked them, they told me to explain certain points. Anyway, I
will take that into consideration in order to be a better teacher.
Thanks God!
I personally don't think using sarcasm is a good way to correct, it is offensive, especially using a fake smile. It's strange what the teacher told you about not asking for doubts, as others say the opposite, so now I don't know what is right... Other than that is nice that you're able to gain the group's confidence.
ResponderEliminarYour strategy of correcting students on stop doing something which has nothing to do with the class is nice. I agree that sarcasm is not a good way to correct students as Jonathan said. I think what you meant when the tutot teacher told not to ask students if they understood is this: may be you asked the question "Did you understand" and this is what the teacher remarked in the feedback.
ResponderEliminarWell, I think that he wanted to say that sometimes when you ask students if they understood, they don't give you an answer because they feel afraid, so you better go and give them the exercises to practice. This time, it worked for me, but maybe later there are going to be some students that won't answer, and I could believe that they understood everything.
ResponderEliminar