3685. Are Your Students Free in the Classroom? Trying Some Balance

 I teach English, as you well know. And I consider that a second or foreign language teacher, well, you know, he or she has to give clear instructions to their dear students, in that target language, or ninety-something percent in that tongue. In English for instance. And at a level a bit higher than their students’ one, or than their average level. 

In that way it’s easier to manage classroom behavior. That teacher will try not to contradict himself, ok? 

At the same time, however, he will have his dear students at freedom, he’ll get them free, for they are human beings who are learning how to deal with their own freedom. 

Many years ago one member of the directive board of the school where I taught in Jaén, another town south of Spain, told me – before my will of managing the classroom behavior perfectly – that ultimately those kids were free, so let them a bit behave as they are, perhaps sometimes – often actually – they’re talking to each other to ask something connected with the lesson itself! 

As well it’s not the same for a novice teacher or an experienced one. Each professional, each teacher, should streamline how he or she directs the class of students. 

All this aforesaid entails and ensues that you teacher plan your lessons: that is not something when you’re commencing your career as a teacher. 

And that lesson plan may include a warm-up activity to start and set off the beginning of that lesson. And that teacher as well will think of what activities are more appropriate for their dear students’ situation, needs, and expectations. 

And at the end you ought to assign some homework: not one overwhelming to those students, and even perhaps letting them know that you don’t mean to set too much homework, yet they may feel free to do other activities, read some page, study something else, review the lesson at home, or whatever else you think more adequate to them now. Let them free! They’re building up their personality! 

Later, on coming days I could tell you readers something else that might be of some use to you teachers. Have a nice day.

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