Teach English in Pingcheng Zhen - Jincheng Shi

Whether teaching a class that is large or small, a teacher will face certain challenges that are unique to each class. While larger classes may be harder to manage because of their size, smaller ones can present challenges too. Sometimes in a smaller class the teacher can go through the material too fast. However, when teaching English, there is always more to discuss and learn. Having gained some experience as an instructor for four years for the Boy Scouts of America, I have learned that each class and each individual are uniquely different and have different needs. Therefore, it is incredibly important for the success of the class that the teacher provide individual treatment to each student whilst also ensuring to manage the class as a whole. As it states in the ITTT coursebook, it is incredibly important to establish both respect and rapport in the classroom. Achieving this should not be too difficult if one is committed to leading the class in an effective and well-disciplined manner. The teacher sets the tone for the class and for the semester. Staying organized, calm, respectful, informative, and showing up to class prepared and on time is a good start to earning the respect of the students; they are the customer and the teacher is the provider of a service and expectations will be high. When faced with a problem from a student in class, there are simple and effective ways to manage it. I personally believe that there is no “on size fits all” approach to managing students, instead, it is important to try and understand the root of the problem and develop a solution specifically for it. Students in a class, especially young children, are easily distracted and can be hard to calm down once they have been riled up, especially if they are facing motivational issues or if they've lost respect for their teacher. The priority in class management is to control the classroom environment, not to necessarily dominate it or make it hostile. Establishing clear and fair rules along with a stable routine in the class will help to establish a foundation of trust and a stable structure that the students can depend on. If the students can trust the teacher and rely on their rules, knowing that the teacher shares a mutual respect for the students, then it is likely there will be few issues with class management. However, it is almost certain that problems will arise and that some students may fall behind, act out, or feel discouraged; this should be seen as an opportunity to help and not as a problem. If an individual student is struggling in class or misbehaving, it is incredibly likely that the student is either unhappy or discouraged for some reason. Therefore, it is the teacher’s job to first restore order and maintain productivity in class, and second to find out what the struggling student needs. Setting aside time for a one-on-one discussion with the student away from the other classmates may help them feel noticed and appreciated. Talk to the student to find out what is wrong and what the teacher can do to help. By making time for the student one-on-one, this saves them from embarrassment, helps them feel noticed, and most importantly gives them a chance to tell the teacher what is on their mind. Only after a thorough assessment can the teacher decide the best course of action. What is important to remember is that every student is an individual with their own specific needs. It is the job of the teacher to aspire confidence in the students and to encourage them to overcome the significant challenge of learning a new foreign language. When giving lectures, it is important to maintain eye contact with the students in the class and not avoid turning your back to the class when possible. It is also important to make the lectures fun and interesting and to avoid using a monotone voice that will bore the students and cause them to lose interest. In addition, incorporating different class activities and changing the normal routine will help the students to stay motivated. It can be helpful to encourage group work and even to establish class leadership by designating jobs to certain students, especially in large classes. Doing this will create an incentive for students to do well. In conclusion, it is important to remember that the teacher is there to help and that the needs of the students always remain the highest priority. If the needs of the students and the mindset of selfless service remain a focal point to a teacher’s approach, then there will likely be few problems and both the students, and the teacher will learn from each other. Establishing trust and rapport will help in increasing productivity for the students. The classroom should be somewhere they look forward to going and class activities should be geared towards communication, which is essentially the purpose of learning English in the first place.