This issue sees a new regular feature of English Now. Teaching Tips will bring youbrief practical ideas with proven success in the language classroom in Vietnam. The Teaching Tips in this issue have been compiled by the Editor, but we need some tips from YOU! If you have any ideas that you have tried and tested in your own classes, then please do send them in.

Tip One:

Creating Interest

Some pupils can switch off from learning as soon as they enter the classroom simply because th eir interest or curiosity has not been aroused. From the start children need to feel connected to the materials of the lesson. Learners always need to know why they are learning something and , especially for children, if they can’t see the purpose or personal relevance to their own life, they will lose inte rest.

What you can do:
Engage learners by:
• giving them the big picture and explaining the aim of a lesson.
• providing learners with opportunities to work alone, in pairs, in small teams and as a whole class.
• getting learners into groups to create a mind map of the benefits of a particular lesson.
• getting learners to create a wish list of what they want to gain from learning English.

Tip Two:

Creating a Calm Classroom

Not all classrooms in Vietnam can be as quiet and calm as they may appear to an observer! Although in communicative language teaching, there is always a need for some noise at certain stages of a lesson, a calm classroom promotes active learning.

What you can do:
• be prepared – have work ready to engage learners as soon as you (or they) enter the classroom.
• establish rules with your students and provide reminders about expectations.
• always be consistent in applying rewards and sanctions and follow a clear, predictable routine.
• have a reward system that is of value to the learners involved.
• be flexible and responsive.
• consider the use of body language and use a cue to get attention.

Tip Three:

Continued Professional Development

This includes any activity that increases your knowledge, understanding and effectiveness in your school. You can make a start here, now with English Now!

What you can do:
• choose an article from this issue of English Now.l note down the key learning points from reading this article.
• make a list of the things you intend to try out from the article.
• set a target date by which time you will have done this.
• review the impact and lessons learnt from what you did.

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