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Summary Task What foundations do you need to successfully set up a language learning class ? Setting a solid foundation for any learner is crucial. There are many different factors to consider. The age of the students, culture, religion, learning abilities and difficulties, If they are capable of reading and writing in the roman alphabet. This is only looking at the learning as an individual. Now when you have a group of learners you then need to consider things such as the class dynamic, personality clashes, quiet vs loud, making sure all students are comfortable. When setting up a good foundation for students, you may only have a small amount of information. This can be a benefit or a deficit however it is important to enter a classroom with a positive holistic approach. To do this you should treat every student equally, do not play favourites, ensure all students are heard and do your best to understand each learners needs. Learning the needs of students would happen in one lesson however you can do certain activities, warm ups, quiz and discussion with students to help you discover these needs. Ice breaker activities such as hangman, pictionary and rapport building activities like pass the ball although they sound like its just all fun and games, it is one of the most important things you can do as a teacher to set up a positive, safe and comfortable learning environment. This will not only help you students to loosen up but it will help you view the class dynamics. You may encounter some students with some challenging behaviour, this will typically happen more with younger students. The reasons can vary however as long as they feel seen and important there are ways to manage this. If problems continue, it is okay to ask to speak with the student in particular after or before class and simply ask if everything is going OK for them. Keep it in a caring and thoughtful tone ( hey I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed overly concentrated in class lately, I just wanted to know if everything is going ok for you? ) sometimes this helps students to reflect on their own behaviour or if there is something happening for them it allows them the opportunity to express that and you may either refer them if it is of serious concern or keep an empathetic heart and let them know that you care and will try and assist them where possible within the classroom. When it comes to learning a new language it can be overwhelming and not come as easy to some. Ensuring that you use positive reinforcement, don’t over correct, don’t move too quickly through the learning content and if possible try to keep the content relevant to your students as this will create a deeper interest. Using creative and visual aids can also help with maintaining student engagement. In summary, get to know your students, learn about their interests and needs, find appropriate ways to handle different learning abilities. Don’t shame students or make them feel stupid. Your attitude towards your students will greatly impact their attitude towards you. Be positive yet have clear boundaries in place. As a teacher you have the ability to help students build not only a new language skill but confidence as well.
