Some methods teachers can use in the classroom

One of the main teacher’s goal is to create friendly and productive atmosphere in the classroom. Students can make mistakes, have difficulties with understanding, they can be confused or distracted. Every action of the teacher must be thoughtful and productive to remove stress and create motivation.

The teacher does not interrupt his student at every mistake, but it is important to point some errors. It can be done with a help of some polite expressions or even gestures.

“Excuse me, may I suggest another idea?”

Negotiation of meaning

Can you give me any examples of it? Let us find some synonyms. What about some antonyms? 

Asking for clarification

It is necessary to explain ideas and concepts in a variety of ways, check frequently for understanding, address misconceptions, and provide useful feedback.

Can you repeat your task? What do you mean? Any questions? What are we going to have at the end of the task?

Checking for understanding during class keeps learners engaged and accountable for their learning. Do you understand? Are you following me? Are you with me?

Parameters are a rule or limit that control what something is or how something should be done. Teachers have to set limits and expectations.

Open the books at page…. The task is… You have 2 minutes. Work in pairs. Don’t ask direct questions. Fill the table.

Sometimes we need to change the subject of discussion. It can be done with expressions:

By the way,… That reminds me (of…  Speaking about /of… Before I forget… Oh, while I remember… I just thought of something…

There are some phrases to express agreement and disagreement:

Absolutely! Exactly! I think the same. You are right!

I’m not sure about that.  It is not that I can support. That’s not right.

 The better way to teach students how to express contradiction is to persuade them form contradicting statement. Students are given a statement. They need to write a paragraph contradicting the statement using “Although”, “Despite” “In spite of” and “yet” phrases.

Some teachers say: “Never use sarcasm and irony.” But it is a part of target language, a part of culture and communication; it's going to be very difficult to teach sarcasm and irony by only defining it in simple vocabulary. Body language and intonation can help. Using sarcasm and irony is recommended in advanced students groups. Also there are some phrases:

Really? What a surprise! Oh, great! (When something fell down.) That’s just what we need! (When the heavy rain started.)

Persuading should engage students by capturing their interest and motivating them to learn.

I am sure, it will be easy for you. Who can do it in the most creative way? Let’s look who is faster.