Whether for business, necessity, or curiosity, more and more people are looking to learn to speak English. For a teacher, creating a good connection can be the best way for the student to acquire new knowledge.
However, not all people react the same way to traditional teaching methods. Each person goes at their own pace, and it is possible that, where some people connect with the study materials, others have a much harder time.
Fortunately, different tools can help when teaching English classes. Here are some of them:
Digital teaching tools
Both face-to-face and online learning can be improved by using apps or software. Though some of these tools are a must, especially for virtual classrooms, others can be an exciting addition for teachers who want to take their work to the next level in their classes and lessons.
Video Conference platforms
Many English schools have their own platforms for running their classes. Nevertheless, a lot of teachers prefer to use other software to communicate with their students and have class meetings.
Nowadays, there are many options to choose from. But the most critical feature they must have is a user-friendly interface. This is essential, as every student must be able to use it.
Two of the most chosen platforms nowadays are Microsoft Teams and Zoom.
Zoom
Through the pandemic, many people who never had a video call started to use it to connect with family and friends. Zoom became the most used communication software for being easy to use.
Lots of English teachers prefer to use zoom due to its features:
- Share screen function
Using this feature, a teacher can show images, graphics, or videos to improve their lessons. - Whiteboard
This feature allows teachers and students to collaborate through a virtual whiteboard. It is very useful for lessons or exercises that must be explained step by step.
Microsoft Teams
More and more companies in the world are using Teams for interoffice communication. So, it’s possible that the students already have this app installed on their laptops.
This software also has many features that can be used in a class:
- Scheduler
Teams are part of the Office 365 bundle, so it uses Outlook as a scheduler that teachers can use to set dates for classes, Q&As, or even tests.
- Simple-to-use
This software was created for people who need to communicate with their peers for urgent matters. It was designed to accommodate different necessities, such as reminders, connection to the cloud, or creating work teams. All those features can be used in a language class.
Online learning platforms
The best classes are the ones that keep the student entertained. Nothing beats an amusing subject or a lesson taught in a fun way. Fortunately, there are different platforms for learning online that can help create an engaging experience.
Lyrics Training
Using popular songs as a teaching tool, this platform help students add new words to their vocabulary. Teachers can use it either for online classes (sharing their screens) or as an activity in their classroom. Lyrics Training has different sets of difficulties to choose from, so it can be used by first-learners or advanced students.
Quizlet
With more than 140 million sets of flashcards, Quizlet is a platform that helps improve vocabulary, memorize new words and assist with spelling. Teachers can also modify the cards to fit into their lessons, making this tool a must for online and face-to-face lessons. It also features a set of games, a great way to decompress from a lengthy class.
Kahoot!
This is another platform that provides a fun way to learn. Kahoot! has a set of pre-made games designed by professional educators. Teachers can also create quizzes to help students with vocabulary and grammar related to their classes. As a real-time game, learners will be able to answer questions and improve their use of the English language. This is an excellent addition for both young learners and adults alike.
Tips to design a better class
Leveling an English class can be more challenging than it seems. There might be some who can speak a little, whereas there might be some with no experience at all. Every student has different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s critical to set a middle ground to teach them all.
Teach common phrasing
Whereas for work or everyday life, it’s possible to narrow down the most common phrases a person will use. Focus on functional language, lexical sets, and common collocations with verbs and nouns. As the English classes advance, more can be added to complement this knowledge.
Don’t skip the conversation
They say that practice makes the master, and talking is the cornerstone of conversational skills. If the students need to talk about the subject matter, don’t interrupt them. Make notations and corrections, but keep the dialogue flowing. It will help them to improve their skillfulness.
Take suggestions
As we said before, every student has their needs. If any of them have a suggestion to improve the class or have a question about a particular topic, try to add it to a future class. This will not only keep them engaged, but it might also be helpful for them.