Abbreviations: Ss =
students
Teachers are
aware how hard is to keep Ss engaged in classroom activities nowadays. Dr.
Bruce D. Perry of Baylor College of Medicine, Texas says children think and
process information differently from their predecessors due to the interaction
with technology since early years. It is a fact that children manage electronic
devices better than their parents and their teachers and there is nothing to
feel ashamed because we, as teachers, could take advantage of these
circumstances. I know we have to follow schools' curricula and sometimes we are
not allow to be first in doing something different but there are some basic
actions we can use in order to keep students working on tasks.
An experienced English teacher says we should need to lead with our "ears" instead of our "mouth". The French root of the word "engage" means to make a pledge. And we can make a pledge listening our Ss' interests, hopes and dreams to make our lessons especial for them.
1. Know your Ss. You should find their interests about music, video
games, movies, etc. thus you can use them to teach any skill and include them
in your lesson plans. For example: When you teach Grammar, start the explanation
using sentences about Ss’ interests in this way, their attention will be better
than if you used boring sentences from the text book. Once the grammar point is
understood this is when you take your Ss to the practice into the book.
2. Love what you do. Teacher's enthusiasm is contagious. If you are bored, tired or stressed your Ss will feel it and will have a negative attitude in class. You should explore and discover together. Make them work in groups and always keep them busy.
3. Technology can help. If Ss have a Smartphone, you could take advantage of these kind of cellular phones and let Ss use them to access dictionaries online, translators and to listen the pronunciation of a word or a phrase. Do not waste your time asking them to keep them in their backpacks, as soon as you turn round to write on the board, they will use them again. I know some schools' regulations do not allow Ss to bring electronic devices but even that, these appear magically in class.
4. Keep you updated about music, movies, video games and social networks. It is essential that we know how to manage with technology. Ss will respect you if they notice you knnow how to use an iPhone, iPad, Internet, applications, etc. Ss like when teachers talk their technology language. Sometimes they cannot believe we know about modern songs or movies. If you do not know how to use an electronic device or surfing the Internet, etc. ask your Ss, they will feel pleased teaching you.
5. Always keep your promise. Ss should trust you and you should trust them. Did you promise to check homework every day?, to give extra homework?, to give a reward?, to do a fun activity?, you must keep your word.
6. Let them express themselves. It does not matter what they say, let them say it in English, do not correct them or let others laught at someone who is practicing English.
