20 March 2014 / by Radmila Gurkova

My favorite ESL class

We asked different teachers about their favorite ESL class. We wanted them to explain what makes a great ESL class really memorable.

We often hear teachers complaining about certain students and classes that were difficult. It's much more productive and rewarding to hear about TEFL teacher's favorite classes and why they enjoyed them.

Here we've collected a few of the Oxbridge teacher's accounts of their favorite ESL class and students:

Elena Riches' favorite ESL class


I love an online class I do one on one with a woman. I can't see her but I hear her really well and she's very responsive to everything I ask. I never have a problem with her in terms of not listening. The class is relaxed and fluid and this reflects in her progress.

Phil Broomhall & John Shepherd' favorite ESL class


We love the advanced level group at la Fira Barcelona, it's a larger group of over 10 people which can often pose problems but the students have such a great level of English and get on so well the class flies by. Each student respects the other when they speak and they are able to really get into discussions. They're also funny students who appreciate the British humour!

Rob Wylie' favorite ESL class


My favourite classes are all with various students at a company I know very well. I've taught them for years now and we're very close. They feel like my family and I've been a major witness in their progression in the English language, supporting them all the way.

Inge Tuijnman' favorite ESL class


I also prefer various students at one company. They are very positive and receptive students, which is the best thing first thing in the morning!

No matter what are the reasons behind your favorite classes, remember that you can also be someone's favorite teacher. Prepare yourself the best way you can. You are a model, an adviser, a guide. Be ready, be willing, be prepared!

 

23

June 2015
Different levels of learning in the same ESL classroom
by Rob Wylie
Teachers need to be as prepared as possible before every time they enter the classroom, this includes for the class itself but also for any other questions, queries or problems that may come up throughout the class. However, no matter how well you prepare there is always the chance that something will catch you off guard and take you by su...

17

June 2015
Teaching English in Bars. Love learning with a cup of coffee!
by Rob Wylie
Teaching English in a bar? Throughout your whole life you may have spent your class time in a classroom, meeting room or office. But do you always need to learn in these types of places? Are there other environments which can provide perfect study locations? Why not teaching English in Bars? ...

16

June 2015
Is grammar important?
by Elena Riches
Learning a second language essentially consists of 'Reading', 'Listening' and 'Speaking'. 'Writing' isn't particularly necessary unless the student expresses that they want to learn to write and, even then, it can be learned quite easily once the speaking and reading have been mastered. So, is grammar importan...

12

June 2015
Developing Technology in Education Collaborative Project
by Gerardo Matos
To develop a collaborative project that presents the Oxbridge English Teaching System and how we incorporate technology in it...

12

June 2015
Proficiency Levels In English. Building Level Placement Parameters
by Matthew Gichohi
Recently the Academy's teachers came together to discuss what they need to keep in mind when deciding their students' proficiency levels in English and if advancement is warranted . The discussion was motivated by a lack of consensus on various students' levels and their progress. In a system where communication is prioritize...

09

June 2015
Teaching Students From Diverse Backgrounds
by Elena Riches
One of the challenges that teachers can encounter is having to teach students from diverse backgrounds in the same class as this makes the teacher obligated to meet the needs of different language students where differentiated instruction is required. This would not always apply to school classes but private classes, where you could have a mi...

05

June 2015
Icebreakers for the ESL classroom
by Rob Wylie
An icebreaker is a game, activity or event which is often used to welcome new people into a group or to help start group work and conversation. The idea is that the icebreaker will help everyone involved feel as comfortable as possible with one another especially when participants do not know each other. It should be used as a way of introduc...

02

June 2015
How to get students talking and enjoy the experience
by Elena Riches
How to get students talking in English is one of the biggest challenges if you are a new TEFL teacher. There will be times during your experience as a teacher where a student finds it difficult to openly talk and if you can't encourage them to do so, neither of you will be be going anywhere fast so, let's see how to...

29

May 2015
Teaching English to Beginners: No Spanish, Please!
by Rob Wylie
When teaching any level of any language there are certain things that we teachers need to remember, but how do these things change depending on the level? What is it that changes when teaching English to beginners? ...

29

May 2015
Context clues: Putting language in perspective
by Vincent Chieppa
...