13 Visit a place outside the classroom

13 Visit a place outside the classroom

Time needed: 45-90 min

Why? Classrooms are the smallest common denominator of life. They are quite neutral places in order to study and learn. If you have the chance to do a walk-out though to visit a place where things “really” happen, do it. It’s easier to learnn that way, and muuch more fun.

When? If interesting locations a nearby, it’s easy to visit them. Is could be a garden outside, a flower shop or an industrial plant grower, an botanical garden, or a walk in the jungle or forest. It could be a ride in the angkot or a viait to a museum. Let your local knowledge meet phantasy.

How? Make sure school administration knows well in advance about your plans. Sometimes lessions have to be shifted or combined if you need more time. Prepare students in advance for the walkout, or surprise them, it’s up to you.

Any risks? Visits of places outside the classroom should be embeded in the overall concept what you teach at what time. Walkouts should not just “happen” becaues there is nothing else to do. Make sure you coordinate experiences of students in the lession after to gain the educational dividende for every student.

12 Let students ask questions

12 Let students ask questions

Time needed: 1 to 10 min.

Why? Kids ask numerous questions how the world is alike. In school this natural way of learning is sometimes neclected if teachers tell about the world without waiting for the need to do so.

When? Give students the chance to ask you questions about a certain topic after you made sure they are activated and engaged in this very field of knowledge.

How? There are more ways to let students ask questions. This could be their own questions, or they could be asked to ask questions instead of someone other, like “what would a pilot ask air traffic control when approaching airport?”, „what would a tourist ask when visiting your city for the first time?“

Any risks? If your anwer is too long or painful to listen to, students will stop to ask questions soon. Be short and precise, make it easy to listen to your anwers. I you don’t know the answer don’t be shy to tell – find out until next lession.

Beginner? Get a grip on relevant type of questions at the EnglishClub.

Spice up this method: Journalists ask questions to get information. They need those answers for the news. Set up a press conference to a certain „case“ you teach. Who, where, when, what, why – those questions should be adressed.


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11 Show photos in an appropriate way

11 Show photos in an appropriate way

Time needed: 1 to 20 min.

Why? Sometimes it is hard to show a real object to your students. Especially if it is something like the Eiffel tower of Paris or a Bengali Tiger. Photos are an option if you want to show how something looks like.

When? Show photos when you want your students to visualize how something looks like.

How? The bigger the better if you show photos standing at the front. This means: DIN A4 (standard office paper size) the minimum, or use a beamer if available. You can nwLk through the isles or you can let students pass small photos through if there is anough time.

Any risks? Too small photos shown from the front, too less time if you pass them through, to bad quality could also be a drawback and always bear in mind: a photo is reality minus 1 dimension – they are flat, they don’t smell as the object they show and there is no time passing at the photo. Try to use 3D photos instead if you want try somethng out – this gives at least the third dimension back.

10 Invite a guest to school

10 Invite a guest to school

Time needed: 45 to 90 min

Why? First hand information is exciting and authentic. Guests will leave an impression and content they tell will create a big affect. It creates a lively, emotional atmosphere and gives your students the feeling of an open school.

When? Whenever you know someone to invite, do it.

How? You invite a person to come to your class. It could either be an expert, or someone famous, or someone who experienced something special. Give a short introduction and let her or him talk.

Any risks? Talk with your guest about content and procedure beforehand. Make sure she or he knows the target audience, your students, their age and background. Tell your guest if your students are familiar with the topic or not. Watch out for any political agenda the person might have and prepare students for that.

09 Students work out questions

09 Students work out questions

Time needed: 1 to 5 min

Why? Developing questions help to explore the space occupied by the topic. It prepares its expansion.

When? Right after introducing a new topic or any time during the learning process students can start thinking what they would like to ask.

How? After giving an introduction to a topic, you ask students to think about questions they have towards this topic. They write them down to be asked then during the learning process. Many of them are answered during the. Walk around at look if someone needs assistance.

Any risks? Make sure students know whether they should find questions for themselves or for other people. They should know if they want to expand their own mind, or create a mind space for others.

08 Student tells a story

08 Student tells a story

Time needed: 1 to 5 min

Why? Telling a story themselves encourages students to articulate their thoughts and make their inner world accessible by narration.

When? Once a lesson would be excellent.

How? First a topic of the story is discussed and agreed on. Then your student tells the story. No need to be funny. Nevertheless some humor is fine.

Any risks? Make sure every student gets the chance to tell a story. Some storytellers are better than others. Some need more time and concentration. Some need to prepare, others won‘t. In any case create a setting which enables your students to listen carefully. Storytellers should only talk when audience is listening.