1.3 Teaching Junior to High School Students

[Niko]

Junior to High School Students (age: 13~18)

If handled correctly, students in this age group make conscientious students whilst at the same time developing into respected adults. Handled incorrectly, your class can turn into a circus, and students miss out on the important lessons of discipline and respect for each other.

Student behaviours are primarily influenced by:

1. Class numbers
2. Student to student relationships

Larger class numbers (6 or more students) and students knowing each other very well can easily lead to classroom disarray. The teacher needs to maintain a certain level of control in order to foster a sound learning environment.

Junior to High School Students respond best to:

• Texbooks
• Homework
• Free Conversation

Textbooks

Textbooks that include grammar drills, conversation topics on world events, geography and other non-fictitious topics should be selected. Don't worry too much if textbooks don't include listening tasks. Students will have the chance to develop their listening skills in the free conversation part of the class.

Homework

Junior and High School students receive homework from their teachers in other classes. Homework is important for revision and reinforcement of areas learnt. Therefore, homework also needs to be assigned in English classes. Both students and parents expect homework, so ensure it is assigned for each lesson.

Free Conversation

This is generally the fun part of the lesson. Keep sentences simple, and concentrate on using learnt vocabulary. Focus on asking questions that interest the students.

For larger classes (6 or more students), pair up groups of 2 to undertake a simple task. The idea is to concentrate on fluency and communication rather than grammar accuracy.

To Summarise

• Maintain discipline and foster a sound learning environment.
• Students learn best from textbooks, homework and free conversation.

[rwall7943]

Teenagers are really competive, I like to play interesting games to keep them learning. If you can make it somewhat of a sport and give points and work in teams they seem to respond better.