Discussion Topics (unit 2)

[veronicaspain]

Hello all,

I found this unit pretty interesting. I teach very young learners (children from 4 to 7 years old) and must say that I hardly ever change the organization of the class during my lessons. I find it hard to change the organization because I never stay in the same class as I'm not their class teacher. It would be a waste of time and energy! We once a week split up the groups and go to the English classroom to practise oral work. I feel freer there, as there's a carpet zone, tables placed in several ways, a computer corner, a speaking corner, etc. These aspects may give me more chances to change the organization of the class when needed.

In my opinion, I found it useful to get learners organized for songs, so that they can see each other and even dance in the middle if necessary! The problem is that we always sing songs and chants during my lessons and I can't change the organization of the desks that easily...

Verónica F.P.

[luistorner]

I think that each activity requires a different class management. For example, we should never underestimate the value of the student teacher. By allowing your students to work in pairs or small groups they develop their skills for passing information to each other. Weaker students benefit from the learning strategies being passed on by their peers and stronger students reinforce their learning placed in the position of having to explain language. But also is useful "individual work", because it is useful for writing exercises in the activity book where each student works alone. It should be preceded by some form of presentation to the whole class.

So I think that the best class management is to use for each activity the most useful management and has more advantages. My favorite way of working is in pairs ,for discipline and good control of learning progress. In addition, the student does not work alone and can be useful guided dialogues and “roleplay”.