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This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned:
Motivating Students
Motivating students is arguably one of the most important elements of teaching, especially in the realm of teaching languages. Just like a chalkboard, course books, and supplies, motivation is a key tool in the classroom environment. Without it, a class will soon become boring and dull, but if the motivation is present in the students (and the teacher) then it is far more likely that the class will become exciting, fun, and successful. Over the course of my lessons, I quickly learned and practiced Jeremy Harmer’s “ESA” lesson plans. The ‘engage’ portion of these plans deal directly with the motivation and tone of the classroom. It is during this stage that the teacher tries to pique the interest of the students. It is understood that if the teacher can successfully grasp the attention of the students and motivate them to learn then it will allow for the lesson to be more conducive and lower the overall inhibitions of the learners. This is exactly what makes motivation a key element in the classroom. Students tend to learn and get the most out of the lessons when incentives for learning in a classroom satisfy their own motives for attending the course. Motivation is prevalent in all portions of teaching. The moment that students become unmotivated an obvious breakdown of learning that occurs in the classroom. Students quickly become uninterested, lackadaisical, and do not effectively comprehend the language points that the teacher is trying to convey when he or she does not properly motivate the learners. There are many great solutions for this, but one excellent way to solve motivation issues is for the teacher to have high (and realistic) expectations of their students. Recent research has shown that a teacher's expectations have a very significant effect on a student's performance. If the teacher acts as though they expect the students to be motivated, hardworking, and interested in the coursework, they are more likely to be so. Another excellent prevention method to stop a lack of motivation in the classroom is for the teacher to tell the students what they need to succeed in the course. If the teacher reassures the students that they can succeed in the course it provides a sense of security that allows motivation to flourish. This attitude is also necessary when it comes to giving feedback to students. Hard, negative feedback can demoralize students and make them question the purpose of learning a new language; however, positive and comprehensive feedback will not only develop strong rapport, but it also establishes the tone for students to grow with motivation. If the motivation level stays up, then the students become active participants in the class and open up to asking questions and answering them as well. I chose this topic specifically because of my personal beliefs on this subject and its extreme importance in learning. As I reflect on my education, I quickly realize that the subjects I lack knowledge in were also subjects taught by uninspiring teachers. In order for students to excel, it is paramount that the teacher not only delivers the material, but also delivers it in an inspiring and motivating way. A classroom without motivation is the same as an airplane without a pilot.
Motivating students is arguably one of the most important elements of teaching, especially in the realm of teaching languages. Just like a chalkboard, course books, and supplies, motivation is a key tool in the classroom environment. Without it, a class will soon become boring and dull, but if the motivation is present in the students (and the teacher) then it is far more likely that the class will become exciting, fun, and successful. Over the course of my lessons, I quickly learned and practiced Jeremy Harmer’s “ESA” lesson plans. The ‘engage’ portion of these plans deal directly with the motivation and tone of the classroom. It is during this stage that the teacher tries to pique the interest of the students. It is understood that if the teacher can successfully grasp the attention of the students and motivate them to learn then it will allow for the lesson to be more conducive and lower the overall inhibitions of the learners. This is exactly what makes motivation a key element in the classroom. Students tend to learn and get the most out of the lessons when incentives for learning in a classroom satisfy their own motives for attending the course. Motivation is prevalent in all portions of teaching. The moment that students become unmotivated an obvious breakdown of learning that occurs in the classroom. Students quickly become uninterested, lackadaisical, and do not effectively comprehend the language points that the teacher is trying to convey when he or she does not properly motivate the learners. There are many great solutions for this, but one excellent way to solve motivation issues is for the teacher to have high (and realistic) expectations of their students. Recent research has shown that a teacher's expectations have a very significant effect on a student's performance. If the teacher acts as though they expect the students to be motivated, hardworking, and interested in the coursework, they are more likely to be so. Another excellent prevention method to stop a lack of motivation in the classroom is for the teacher to tell the students what they need to succeed in the course. If the teacher reassures the students that they can succeed in the course it provides a sense of security that allows motivation to flourish. This attitude is also necessary when it comes to giving feedback to students. Hard, negative feedback can demoralize students and make them question the purpose of learning a new language; however, positive and comprehensive feedback will not only develop strong rapport, but it also establishes the tone for students to grow with motivation. If the motivation level stays up, then the students become active participants in the class and open up to asking questions and answering them as well. I chose this topic specifically because of my personal beliefs on this subject and its extreme importance in learning. As I reflect on my education, I quickly realize that the subjects I lack knowledge in were also subjects taught by uninspiring teachers. In order for students to excel, it is paramount that the teacher not only delivers the material, but also delivers it in an inspiring and motivating way. A classroom without motivation is the same as an airplane without a pilot.
