11. Poor or inconsistent classroom management
This is one of the mistakes often made due to lack of experience. Classroom management is not an exact science; it’s not like teaching the past simple tense.
Each group of student is different and rules must be set as a group. The problem stems from the fact that new teachers may not have a clearly defined teaching style.
So, they either become too strict or too lax. It’s not about being stricter, but rather being consistent.
There’s nothing worse for a group of students than empty promises or weak threats. Once you define how you’ll manage your class, stick to it!
Some teachers are so focused on teaching things about the English culture, they completely ignore their students’.
Some gestures EFL teachers commonly use in the classroom, may be very rude in other cultures.
Learn about your foreign students’ customs, especially greetings, and use this information to create a positive learning environment.
13. Not gathering enough information on students’ backgrounds and needs
Many ELT teachers start a lesson with a new group and don’t even find out where they’ve studied English before, how long, and with which results.
You can obtain this information from the DoS, from the FL School owner or from the students themselves.
This is essential information to have if you want your students to advance, to make progress in their English language skills.
14. Correct them in free-speaking activities
It’s important to correct students’ mistakes, but what happens if you correct every other word a student says? When students make too many mistakes, and you make it abundantly clear that that’s what they’re doing, their confidence starts to suffer.
Make the necessary corrections when you’re doing targeted practice, but don’t interrupt or correct as much during performance activities when it’s better for students to just let go of their inhibitions and try to speak.
15. Not Boosting Student Confidence
Confident learners participate more, speak more, don’t necessarily make fewer mistakes, but feel confident they can communicate effectively in English – they can say what they want to say.
Confidence is not exactly linked to accuracy; it’s all about attitude, which helps students get their point across, no matter how many times they stumble or make mistakes.
