Classroom management question

[greystroke]

Hi,



I was recently asked this question on classroom management.



'You have given instructions for a group activity and everyone has started. Very soon you notice that none of the participants are doing what you want. What would you do?'


The only answer i can think of is give instructions again, piecemeal if necessary and check that trainees have understood. Is there anything else i can do?



Would appreciate any help.



Regards,


Greystroke

[Raymott]

Originally Posted by greystroke

Hi,



I was recently asked this question on classroom management.



'You have given instructions for a group activity and everyone has started. Very soon you notice that none of the participants are doing what you want. What would you do?'


The only answer i can think of is give instructions again, piecemeal if necessary and check that trainees have understood. Is there anything else i can do?



Would appreciate any help.



Regards,


Greystroke

I'd say that giving the same instructions again would be pointless. If all participants got it wrong, there is something wrong with the wording of the instructions.
Work out what you want them to do, and explain it in terms they understand.

[konungursvia]

As long as they are doing something in English (since it's an English class we're talking about) I'd let them continue for five minutes and then ask them to elect one spokesperson per group to report on what was discussed.

In the meantime, I'd think of a way to explain the intended activity as a modification of the one being done.

[ICAL_Pete]

There is a right way and a wrong way to give instructions in your classroom. If you give instructions the wrong way you'll end up with a class who don't know what's going on.

See this ICAL TEFL video for useful tips on how to go about it the right way.

[Keegan02]

Hi,
Students are demanding and vocal. But are also smart, technologically competent and they wish the teachers to bring out the significance of the works being done. The readings, assignments, and exams you prefer to give your students should ponder what you are trying to reach. For more ideas enter in to www.classroom-management.org

[juchoo]

Useful to demonstrate what needs to be done, especially for complicated tasks.