TEFL Al Hasakeh

This course has given me the confidence I needed to begging my teaching career. It covered all of the bases, from grammar review to the most effective ways to manage your classroom. The grammar lessons made me realize just how complicated the english language is, and challenged me to come up with ways to teach it to low level students. Aside from the grammar units, I gained a lot from the units on classroom management. I learned just how important the small things, such as gesture and voice, are to effectively teaching students a new language. I realize how important your voice is in the classroom. Having a loud, strong voice, commands attention from the students, however, it is important to find the right level, so you don't come across as intimidating and mean. I will try to be actively aware of my gestures, eye contact and voice in the classroom. I think the best thing I can do is play around with it, and experiment with it to find what works for different classes. One of my biggest problems has always been explaining things, such as directions for an activity, clear and effectively. However, this course allowed me to practice and challenge myself to explain material and directions to low level students. Therefore, in the classroom, I will do my best to explain things as simply as possible, using lots of pictures and gestures. I think that the biggest thing I have gained from the course, is realizing how important the teacher is, and that you can explain grammar exceptionally well, but it probably won't be effective if you don't have a good rapport with your students. I now realize just how important it is to build a relationship with your students, because in order for them to learn and pay attention to you they should respect you. Therefore, in the classroom I will do my best to get to know the students, their likes and dislikes and create a comfortable, positive learning environment.