Best Practice 26: Speaking to Other Students

Best Practice 26: Speaking to Other Students (in English)

Students should always communicate with each other (and the teacher) in English. In larger classes in particular, pairs and small groups allow the teacher to maximize student talking time and also expose students to a variety of accents. After all, the majority of English speakers around the world are non-native users, so by communicating with their classmates, students can use practice both speaking and listening.

DO NOT: Allow one student to monopolize class/the teacher’s time.

Is One Student Monopolizing Class Time?

While this might make them (personally) feel important, it hurts the

group as a whole. If this happens, try changing the subject or picking on them rarely. If the student’s domineering behavior persists, try this instead: give him/her exactly what he/she wants: Smile and listen very attentively. In fact, make sure that everyone else is listening, too. Let him/her start rambling, taking up everyone’s valuable time and then highlight each and every grammar or pronunciation error possible. While a student might enjoy this at the beginning, after a while the novelty wears off and the embarrassment sets in. After a few minutes of this, even the most talkative students are quite happy to let someone else take a turn!