tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690598050293395630.post5283781147567024574..comments2023-05-22T01:02:58.470-07:00Comments on Notes from a Shetland ESOL classroom: Diary of a film projectGenevieve Whitehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03966903406686536208noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690598050293395630.post-71291645982594729272012-05-08T13:33:55.516-07:002012-05-08T13:33:55.516-07:00Hi Dunila,
Thanks for your comment and for poppin...Hi Dunila,<br /><br />Thanks for your comment and for popping by - it’s always nice to know there’s someone out there!<br /><br />In answer to your question, though…my classes are pretty well established, and I have a core group of learners who I’ve worked with for three years. I suppose it helps that they’re a pretty cheerful, fun loving bunch who see the class as an opportunity to socialise. This helps to create an open, welcoming atmosphere which newcomers to the class seem to pick up on. Usually, when I have a new learner in the class I’ll let them have a “quiet” period, in which I do not put them on the spot to answer questions (unless I feel sure that they want to contribute!) In this situation, I might also do a bit more pair work than usual, taking care to pair the “newie” with a particularly friendly and gentle learner who I think they might get on with. <br /><br />Having said that, there are lessons where nobody seems to have all that much to say. If the topic is challenging, it could be that the learners need a bit of space and time to think before committing their thoughts to words. In such situations a little bit of “think, pair, share” can work wonders!<br /><br />I guess a lot depends on your teaching context, Dunila. Where do you work? And who with?<br /><br />GennyGenevieve Whitehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03966903406686536208noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5690598050293395630.post-41275305470085854772012-05-08T13:07:39.475-07:002012-05-08T13:07:39.475-07:00How do you encourage students to speak if they rea...How do you encourage students to speak if they really are very reluctant? Any tips would be most welcome. I'd love to be a fly on the wall, your classes sound so much fun.Dunilanoreply@blogger.com