Teach English in Wangchuan Zhen - Xi'an Shi

Globally students learn a second language for a variety of reasons, whether it is for personal satisfaction and the desire to take on a new challenge, or due to job requirements, or even as a result of an over zealous parent that wants their child to improve their cognitive abilities. As a teacher or a student you will be faced with two main types of lessons: one to one or group lessons. Group lessons may vary in sizes from small to medium or even large groups. A group lesson generally consist of the teacher and more than one student. In the private education industry in Japan, a group lesson may be as small as three persons and as large as 30 persons if working with a company. However, as the name suggest one to one lessons comprise of the teacher and one student, and this may take place in a language school, a cafe, the student’s home, the teacher’s home or online. There are numerous advantages to both types of lessons and there are also existing disadvantages for both. However, in teaching English as a Foreign Language there has been an increasing preference for one to one classes in comparison to group lessons. A few of these benefits and disadvantages will be highlighted below. During one to one lessons the student is consistently given maximum attention from the teacher, and so the student has the ability to speak more English, ask more questions and get personalized answers and feedback in comparison to a group lesson. In a group lesson the teacher’s attention is divided among all the students in the class, while in an one to one class only one student has this attention. It must also be noted that in a group lessons the teacher’s attention may be consumed by disruptive and out-spoken students and so a conservative student will be at a disadvantage. There is also the benefit that one to one lessons provide an environment for higher student contribution and participation in the learning process through the opportunity of bringing their own materials for class discussions. Similarly, if the teacher utilizes a needs analysis the lessons will be tailored to suit the needs of the specific student and not generalized for example in a class at a company level. According to the Natural Method of learning learners acquire knowledge based on the modified input of the teacher. So in using this teaching style in one to one lessons the teacher is able to adapt their language to the level of the student, and so the student can benefit more from the teacher. There is also another obvious benefit for students, which is the fact that the teacher will progress through the course at the student’s pace and not at the fastest or slowest student pace which is normally done in a group lesson. One to one lesson allows for efficient time management to ensure that all learning aspect is completely explored to the student’s comfort. On that note, the student’s weaknesses and strengths can be addressed more consistently in one to one lessons without the competition of other students for the teachers time. One to one lessons provides a space for openness and freedom from criticisms in case of error and the complete elimination from peer pressure. Even though there are numerous advantages to teaching one to one lessons there are a few disadvantages, however with practice and familiarity with students such issues can be countered. One main issue of one to one lesson can be the difficulty to effectively measure progress without other students to compare with and the possibility of the lack of a structured syllabus. However, to measure progress a simple test can solve such an issue. Initially if the teacher conducts a needs analysis and a simpler version of a placement test, the teacher will be made aware of the student’s level. Furthermore, throughout the course the student can then be tested by the teacher to confirm gradual improvement. These evaluations are normally based upon the progression of the student throughout each lesson, and it should be noted that the teacher must ensure the tests are meaningful and clearly explained. In one to one lessons there is also the issue of the classes being monotonous, if the teacher lacks the confidence and flexibility to experiment with change of pace and types of activities. In order to counter this issue the teacher should step away from the constant routine, and find ways to engage and maintain the interest of the student. This can be done by moving away from sitting around a table the entire class, to including two games at various intervals during the lesson, or bringing an interesting short video related to the lesson to allow the students to interact with authentic materials. Another disadvantage of doing one to one class is the lack of other students’ input in activities and games and so these tasks are completed faster than that of a group lesson. However, this too can be countered by the teacher through three key initiatives: 1. being more prepared by bringing more activities and worksheets to each class, 2. time management and 3. inclusion of all aspects of learning (speaking, listening, writing and reading). In teaching English as a Foreign Language it is optional but advisable that the inclusion of games, videos and pictures can assist in making learning fun and easier for students, but all aspects need to manage efficiently. It is indeed true that both one to one and group lessons have their advantages and disadvantages, however it can be observed that one to one lessons can be very profitable for students. Most of the issues presented by one to one lessons can be countered with practice, experience and knowledge. Teachers need to be as dynamic and flexible as possible and strive to always find ways to improve and make each lesson as needs related and goal oriented as possible. Even though one to one lessons may not be a sizable diverse group, teachers that teach English as a Foreign Language can execute one to one lessons similar to those of group lessons by adapting a similar lesson outline with grammar points, vocabulary and conversation. Teaching and learning can be very fun and exciting, however a teacher has to find the technique that works best, and a student as to choose a setting that is ideal and promotes maximum benefits for their needs.