Strategies for Opening a Lesson

Summary

This video introduces essential teaching strategies for initiating lessons, particularly in EFL contexts. It emphasizes the importance of the first five minutes in engaging students and suggests various strategies like the entry ticket to set a positive tone, review content, and stimulate thought. The entry ticket method is highlighted as an adaptable and effective way to monitor learning and introduce new material, suitable for diverse classroom sizes and proficiency levels.

Takeaways

• 📚 Teaching strategies are essential tools for successful learning in EFL contexts.
• 🔑 Strategies can be divided into three parts, such as the PPP (Present, Practice, Produce) approach or the PWP (Pre-While-Post) approach.
• 🌟 The first five minutes of a lesson are crucial for engaging students and setting the tone for the rest of the class.
• 🎯 Opening strategies are vital for capturing students' attention and focusing on the lesson's learning aims.
• 💡 Strategies should accommodate diverse student backgrounds, learning styles, and abilities.
• 📈 The 'entry ticket' is an effective strategy for monitoring student learning and introducing or reviewing instruction.
• 📝 Entry tickets can be used with small or large classes and require students to have prepared for the previous class.
• ⏱ Setting a specific time for students to complete the entry ticket ensures a structured approach to the activity.
• 🔄 Strategies bridge the transition from previous lessons, check understanding, and review key content.
• 🚀 They encourage students to focus and build momentum towards the lesson's objectives.
• 🤔 Encourages teachers to reflect on and select effective teaching strategies for their next class.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in the video?

The main topic discussed in the video is teaching strategies, specifically focusing on how to open a lesson effectively in the context of EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teaching.

Why are teaching strategies important for teachers?

Teaching strategies are important for teachers as they are essential tools for successful learning, helping to support the learning of students across different curricular areas and dealing with various challenges during lessons.

What does the acronym 'EFL' stand for?

EFL stands for 'English as a Foreign Language,' which refers to the teaching of English to students whose first language is not English.

What are the three parts that most teaching strategies are divided into according to the script?

Most teaching strategies are divided into three parts: strategies for opening a lesson, strategies for developing a lesson, and strategies for closing a lesson.

Why is the first five minutes of a lesson considered crucial?

The first five minutes of a lesson are crucial because if the activity engages students right away, it sets the stage for the rest of the lesson, ensuring that students remain engaged.

What is an 'entry ticket' in the context of teaching strategies?

An 'entry ticket' is a teaching strategy where students are given a task or question to answer upon entering the classroom, which serves to review or introduce the lesson's content and engage students immediately.

How does the entry ticket strategy benefit the classroom environment?

The entry ticket strategy benefits the classroom by getting students working as soon as they arrive, increasing instruction time, and ensuring that the activity is suitable for both small and large classes regardless of their English proficiency.

What is the purpose of the entry ticket in the classroom?

The purpose of the entry ticket is to monitor student learning, introduce or review instruction, and to get students engaged in the learning process from the moment they enter the classroom.

What are some examples of questions that could be used on an entry ticket for a lesson about animals?

Examples of questions for an entry ticket about animals could include 'How many animals will you remember from last lesson?' or 'What animals can live in the city? What animals can live in the jungle?'

How can teachers ensure a smooth implementation of the entry ticket strategy?

Teachers can ensure a smooth implementation by familiarizing students with the routine of entering the classroom, placing the entry ticket in the same position each day, and setting a specific amount of time for students to answer the ticket's question.

What are the benefits of using teaching strategies like the entry ticket for classroom diversity?

The benefits of using teaching strategies like the entry ticket for classroom diversity include bridging the transition from previous lessons, checking understanding of homework, reviewing key content, and encouraging students to focus and engage in the learning process.