Have you encountered a nightmare EFL student? Someone who, for whatever reason, just didn't seem to 'get' you, or your class?
Mine appeared in my very first week of full-time teaching. To be honest, I knew it was going to be a tough lesson pretty early on. From the off, a Brazilian student (let's call her 'Alina') became increasingly disgruntled. Her face grew thunderous as she reeled at the complexities of the English language.
This incomprehension, combined with my duty to deliver the material in a speedy fashion (due to my following the rapid-fire Direct Method of teaching), conspired to make me possibly her least favourite person, at that moment.
But what should I have done differently? Could I have won her over somehow, against the odds? Maybe you have your own 'Alina', right now?
Here are seven tricks that, in my career, have helped me to win over potentially troublesome students.
1. Watch your body language and make eye contact
Studies have shown that what we say is often not as important as how we say it. Making confident eye contact with students, alongside an awareness of one's body language, can make a huge difference to how your students perceive you.
Do you come across as defensive and uptight? Uninterested and aloof? Try to be open and relaxed. Unfold your arms, breathe deeply and smile. It will make a difference.
2. Be approachable and flexible
This follows from the first point. If students don't feel they can ask you questions or express their doubts, they won't take much from their time with you. You're an invaluable resource for them: library, tutor and counsellor, all-in-one.
You don't need to be their best friend, but put yourself in their shoes. If you were the student, how would you like your language classes to go? Chances are, you'd appreciate a warm smile every now and then. Encourage them to ask any questions they may have, and...
3. Be honest
...don't pretend to know all the answers, if the truth is that you don't have a clue. Winging it is not the best course of action here (is it ever?). Do some research and get back to them as soon as possible.
Their query could be on some quirk of grammar or as random as, say, the difference between a cable and a wire. Would you be able to clearly explain the difference? Basically, a wire is a single conductor, whereas a cable is "a group of conductors isolated together in a single jacket" (I had to look it up).
Make sure you provide an answer at some point, lest you lose credibility and - more importantly - the student's trust.
4. Go for 'the cuddle factor'
In his seminal textbook, 'The Practice of English Language Teaching', TEFL legend Jeremy Harmer writes that 'a cuddle factor' helps students to engage with the classroom material. It means we should establish "an emotional attachment to (and therefore better recall of) the word or phrase" (Harmer, 1991).
In other words, increased engagement with lesson material leads to improved understanding and recall.
It's also about creating an environment where the students can be relaxed and comfortable. Again, eye contact, body language, honesty... all of these factors contribute to a harmonious studying environment.
5. Be inclusive
We all have our favourite students. It's natural to gravitate towards certain individuals - it's human nature. As teachers, however, we can't be seen to favour particular students over others.
So make sure you attend to every student in your class - even (perhaps especially) those who rub you up the wrong way, or bore you, or seem rather disengaged. Remember to include them in chats - it's easy to forget about the shyer members of class when a conversation is in full flow.
Make eye contact with the quieter students to let them know you haven't forgotten about them. Nominate them to answer your questions - and be sure to protect them from the louder, more confident types. Don't allow their voices to become lost in the hubbub.
6. Have icebreakers/fillers on hand
Classes can drag from time to time. Maybe your teaching mojo has deserted you, the day's material is as dry as dust, or you've simply been landed with an uncharismatic, passive bunch. Whatever - it's your job to liven things up and get the energy flowing.
One way to do this is to play games. Students of all ages appreciate the occasional break from learning the passive voice or practising mixed conditionals. Introducing a game to your lesson could be just the spark you need, to turn your class around.
7. Be yourself... and don't take things too personally
Everyone has their own style of teaching. Sure, most of us have an idea of what constitutes good (or bad) teaching - that should be a given.
However, we shouldn't be afraid to stamp our personalities onto proceedings. Your idiosyncracies and foibles are what make your class your own. Don't try to be someone you're not - the students will suss you out. Be funny. Embrace your quirks!
And try to remember that if a student does seem grumpy, most of the time (oh hi, 'Alina') it has nothing to do with you. They might be having a bad day, problems outside the classroom, a beef with another student, etc. Just do the best you can and everything will fall into place.
So there you go. Follow these tricks and you should make swift headway in winning over those troublesome tutees.
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