ESL Class Management Video 10/10

The class observed online was an upper intermediate level (I assumed from the vocabulary level and essay writing topic) of around 12 college age students. The teacher introduced the topic of leisure time by asking questions about the word ‘retired’ and getting them to narrow it down and be more specific in their definition. The students then had a bit of time to discuss about how much free time they have and had a quick related reading activity. They practiced as a class in talking about what they are going to do with their free time and used the vocabulary given to make sentences with a partner. The teacher explained common mistakes such as stressed vs. stressful and hanging out with friends (not playing with friends) and gave examples to teach them the correct usage. She checked their understanding by asking the students which one to use.

The students listened to a talk on leisure time on audio while paying attention to definitions. They compared answers with their classmates and the teacher asked them to identify the main points to check for comprehension. At the end before a speaking activity, they went over ways to give your opinion and ways to agree or disagree. I liked how the teacher had a timer they could see on the pull-down projector screen that rang at the end of the 5 minute conversation time, as I can see how it encourages students to make use of practice time.

I thought the teacher had a good presence and personality. She is good at dealing with this age group as she appears professional but also seems like someone whom the students can have a good relationship with. Sometimes the students got distracted and made jokes amongst themselves, but the teacher uses humor and always brings the focus back. For me, the things that I would change is that the lesson itself could have had a clearer structure with distinct activities and transitions, and to account for more time for students’ speaking practice. A final note is I thought it was good when the teacher explained that she didn’t get to listen to and assess everyone while they had the conversation practice and that they will carry on next class. To me, timing is important but also flexible, while having the skills to be mentally present, observing and working around the actual needs of your students in the classroom is crucial.