Preparing a specific program for every student, with themes and
topics of interest. Doing all this while the student(s) are probably
expecting an interesting introduction, and exciting and/or effective
lessons right from the start. Keeping up the interest in learning
itself is vital, but so it the evaluation of just what the student
capabilities are, what their current level is, what their interests
would be. Some ideas for playful and interesting methods to make
the first impression both entertaining and useful.
1.: Ask them from which English Language books they have learned
the language thus far, and for how long. From this information
you will know the learning method, as these books follow their
own specific programs, plus you can guess their level with a good
accuracy.
2.: The first lesson should begin with a verbal "exam"
and include a written grammar test. The least these will be perceived
as an exam right up front, the better. In order to keep the atmosphere
friendly ( vital ) and the interest in learning the language (
even more important ), you may find it useful to conceal your
intent to test their knowledge, by emphasizing the theme of either
games or personal introduction.
"Do not correct your students' grammar right from the
first moment"
3.: Written test: some good, comprehensive exercises and tests
are available for download from various websites, should you have
not prepared your own by that time. You may try www.english-test.net,
www.world-english.org, www.examenglish.com, www.englishlearner.com
.
"Finding topics the students can relate to is of utmost
importance"
4.: Verbal test: as boring and cliched it may sound for a first
time lesson, the basic question may remain a casual introduction
starting with the not so exhaustive " introduce yourself
" topic. If the level of English allows, the introduction
can be developed into a full scale dialogue -- paying attention
to, but not enforcing the use of proper grammar. This way you
will learn of the interests, which will be important to know when
customizing the program. As the emphasis is on the introduction,
speaking exercise, it doesn't really matter if the vocabulary
or the grammar is off every once in a while. It doesn't matter
if it's just words put in order, that is the whole point, so do
not correct your students right from the first moment, you'll
have plenty of time for that. For a younger or more devoted (
less shy ) beginner group / individual, additionally you can test
the vocabulary with a speed contest, with flash cards, or just
by pointing at different items in the room, or outside the window
asking " what is that ", or " what's that in English
" ?
"Make it fun"
The previous paragraph mentioned flash cards, which are only
one method of making use of small paper stripes. If the students
are not absolute beginners in learning English, another game can
be included in the Verbal test.
5.: Verbal test: Use cards, or just slice up paper sheets and
write individual words, phrases on each. Adjectives, nouns, verbs
and people's names or occupation. Make sure you use famous enough
people, otherwise the game will come to a halt all too often.
The student has to pick a card ( which are of course placed facing
down ) and explain the word or phrase to you, the teacher, without
actually saying it. By paying attention to the grammar, phrases
used, word order used, you can have a clear picture of how well
the student could do in a dialogue, how well the student has learned
to deviate from the logic of the Hungarian language, and also,
how well one can explain the "missing word" in the lifelike
event of actually not knowing their vocabulary just yet.
6.: Verbal test: Similar to the above, you, the teacher draw
a card, and the student has to ask questions. A classic guessing
game. Remember to pay attention to the level of language used.
With a lesson devoted to measuring the level of students, and
paying attention to not only the vocabulary and grammar, but also
their interests, you can work out -- or customize -- a proper
program for them. It is better to develop the lesson in two parts.
A verbal, more creative and entertaining one, and a part for evaluating
the grammar including a written and a listening excessive.
Following the above advice, your student may be saved from being
bored for a single moment, which may be essential, especially
on the very first lesson, leaving an impression of a dynamic,
effective course.
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