Classroom management for CELTA- Building rapport in the EFL classroom

Summary

In this video, the speaker offers practical tips for building strong rapport with students to enhance learning experiences. The tips include using positive body language, being kind and empathetic, engaging with students on a personal level, and sharing a bit about yourself. The speaker also emphasizes the importance of lesson preparation, professionalism, and creating a welcoming, interactive environment. These strategies aim to foster a more enjoyable and effective classroom, ensuring students feel motivated and valued while learning.

Takeaways

• 😀 Building rapport with students is essential for making lessons enjoyable and memorable for both teachers and learners.
• 😀 Teaching is as much about people skills as it is about subject knowledge. Engaging with students can motivate and inspire them.
• 😀 Projecting a confident body language and maintaining a positive attitude can help students feel comfortable and engaged, even if the teacher is nervous.
• 😀 Eye contact and a clear, open body posture are key to establishing trust and engagement, especially in online learning environments.
• 😀 Teachers should be enthusiastic and energetic, as it can inspire students and make learning feel less monotonous.
• 😀 Be kind, empathetic, and provide genuine praise to students for specific accomplishments, not just generalized compliments.
• 😀 Avoid sarcasm or overly complex jokes with beginners, as it can confuse them and hinder their learning process.
• 😀 Give students the opportunity to speak and engage in class activities, as this enhances their learning experience and helps build rapport.
• 😀 Take the time to learn students’ names, interests, and backgrounds, which helps create a more personalized and engaging learning environment.
• 😀 Sharing personal experiences with students, like stories about your family or hobbies, can strengthen the teacher-student bond, but should be done carefully and appropriately.
• 😀 Competence, preparation, and professionalism are critical for maintaining student respect and engagement over time. A well-prepared lesson with clear aims is essential for maintaining rapport.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the video script?

The main focus of the video is to provide tips on how teachers can build rapport with their learners to make lessons more memorable and enjoyable.

Why is body language and attitude important for building rapport?

Body language and attitude are crucial because they help project confidence, which is infectious and helps learners feel at ease. A teacher's body language can greatly influence how students perceive them and how comfortable they feel.

What does the speaker suggest about dealing with nervousness as a teacher?

The speaker suggests that even if you feel nervous, you can 'fake it till you make it' by adopting confident body language, such as standing with shoulders back, making eye contact, and smiling.

Why is eye contact particularly important in online teaching?

Eye contact is important in online teaching because it creates a sense of connection, helping learners feel engaged and seen, even though they are not physically present.

What should teachers be mindful of when trying to be funny in class?

Teachers should avoid using puns or sarcasm, especially at lower language levels, because learners might not understand, and the humor could fall flat. It's important to ensure the humor is appropriate for the learners' level.

How can teachers personalize their lessons to improve rapport?

Teachers can personalize lessons by learning their students' names, asking about their lives and interests, and incorporating topics that resonate with them into the lesson material.

What role does listening play in building rapport with learners?

Listening to learners' responses and engaging with them on a personal level helps build rapport. Teachers should respond not only to the grammatical accuracy of what learners say but also to the content of their responses.

How can teachers balance sharing personal information with maintaining professionalism?

Teachers can share personal information, such as a picture of their family or a hobby, but should be careful not to overdo it. It's important to remain professional, especially with children or teenagers, while still allowing for some personal connection.

Why is being well-prepared important for building rapport?

Being well-prepared is important because learners tend to warm to teachers who are competent and professional. Properly prepared lessons, clear materials, and engaging activities show the teacher's commitment and competence, which fosters trust and rapport.

What is the overall takeaway from the video about building rapport with learners?

The overall takeaway is that building rapport requires a combination of positive body language, kind communication, genuine interest in learners, and professional competence. Teachers who can balance these elements will likely foster a positive and engaging learning environment.