Ice Breaker For Teachers

Learning another language is a difficult process. The use of games in the classroom can make the process enjoyable and less difficult. Games motivate students to participate in classroom activities. Playing games is good practice of using the English language and should be done every so often. Students get a chance to relax from studying and figure out cooperatively how to win the game. They do not think that they are learning from the game but they are. At the same time the students are being challenged mentally. ?Games can lower anxiety, thus making the acquisition of input more likely?(Richard Amato 1988:147). Shy students who do not participate on a regular basis have the opportunity and usually capitalize on it when playing games. When learning English...  [Read more]

This article will look at the range of materials that are useful and readily available for teaching the English Language to a group on non-native English speakers. There are a whole host of materials available, however a teacher needs to be very careful in the choice of what and what not to use. It is extremely important that materials chosen are those which can capture the imagination of students and stimulate their interest. If the material is mundane and unexciting this will likely rub off on the students. Therefore, before a course starts, the teacher would be best advised to design a skeleton course which includes the topics and levels that he aims to cover, however, the detail of how this should be addressed should be left until he has met the students and...  [Read more]

This article will look at the range of materials that are useful and readily available for teaching the English Language to a group on non-native English speakers.There are a whole host of materials available, however a teacher needs to be very careful in the choice of what and what not to use. It is extremely important that materials chosen are those which can capture the imagination of students and stimulate their interest. If the material is mundane and unexciting this will likely rub off on the students. Therefore, before a course starts, the teacher would be best advised to design a skeleton course which includes the topics and levels that he aims to cover, however, the detail of how this should be addressed should be left until he has met the students and determined...  [Read more]

An understanding of the concept of group dynamics provides valuable insight into the processes involved in a successful group lesson. This awareness can assist the TEFL teacher in identifying what stage the group is up to and the direction it is taking, ultimately enhancing the cohesiveness of the group and the learning experiences achieved.One of the most well-known and widely used theories of group dynamics is Tuckman’s (1965) four-stage model of the “Group Cycle”. This represents a sequence of processes that are not necessarily in order, but which are linked to and determined by each other, and seem to be readily observable in groups. The stages of “forming”, “storming”, “norming”, and “performing” are...  [Read more]

An understanding of the concept of group dynamics provides valuable insight into the processes involved in a successful group lesson. This awareness can assist the TEFL teacher in identifying what stage the group is up to and the direction it is taking, ultimately enhancing the cohesiveness of the group and the learning experiences achieved. One of the most well-known and widely used theories of group dynamics is Tuckman?s (1965) four-stage model of the ?Group Cycle?. This represents a sequence of processes that are not necessarily in order, but which are linked to and determined by each other, and seem to be readily observable in groups. The stages of ?forming?, ?storming?, ?norming?, and ?performing? are identified by Tuckman and an additional stage of ?mourning? /...  [Read more]

Introduction.Often it is considered that learning is serious business and if students are seen laughing and having fun then they are not really learning. This is not always the case.In order to learn languages students need a relaxed, fun atmosphere and often this can be achieved by using games.Games also help the teacher create a situation whereby language can be practised and used in a meaningful way.What is a Game'A game can be defined as a form of play that involves rules, competition and an element of fun.Language games are not just fun 'ice-breakers' or things you do on Friday afternoon to end the week, they provide an opportunity for students to use and experiment with language ina meaningful way. Games can be highly motivating and encourage students to search out new...  [Read more]