6 Secrets of an Effective English Teacher
Being an English teacher is not only about mastering modern methods and knowing grammar structures perfectly. Every effective teacher has their own “secrets” and signature tricks. Here are a few of them:
1. Stay curious about living English
Language changes and develops every day: neologisms, slang, unusual word combinations and the acceptability of the unacceptable in informal grammar. There is a whole world of interesting things beyond the curriculum that cannot be ignored. TV series, YouTube blogs and modern music will help you stay in shape. The next level is news, topical podcasts, books and talking to native speakers.
2. Do not be afraid to be different
“A real teacher never makes mistakes, rarely smiles, cannot look silly or lose students’ respect.” If you think so, maybe it is worth thinking again about what century we live in and where these stereotypes come from. How can you get students to open up and express their thoughts without fear if the teacher is shy and embarrassed?
A teacher can be funny and playful, or unsure and vulnerable; they can even make mistakes (the main thing is to correct them and not mislead students). And yes, students may know something we do not. And yes, they may be right and we may be wrong. And that is normal.
3. Value each personality
Whatever the students’ age, each of them is an individual with their own problems and worries, values and preferences. And if you earn your students’ trust, they will gladly share both with you. Genuine interest and attention, and a friendly rather than condescending approach, are the key to little hearts.
And let’s remember that there are no unimportant problems. A lost favorite pencil can mean as much to a child as a lost wallet does to us. And someone’s “wrong opinion” can carry deep meaning if you change your point of view and drop the lens of subjectivity.
4. Create and improvise
Creativity is an indispensable trait of a talented teacher. It is the ability to create, change, adapt and adjust to students’ needs at every level, from a single sentence in an exercise to a lesson plan and even a whole course. Sometimes it is fine to step away from your lesson plan if you see how to do things better and more effectively here and now. By the way, great ideas sometimes come from students, so do not ignore their suggestions. This way your usual game may get new rules, and an essay topic you have been setting for years may become relevant and interesting for students.
5. Be prepared
The best improvisation is always well thought out. So good planning is the key to a successful lesson. When preparing a lesson, think through how events might unfold, identify potential problems and possible questions, and be ready to respond to them. You cannot foresee everything, but it will get better every time. Isn’t that a superpower for a super teacher?)
6. Love
Love is the main secret of a successful and happy teacher. It is the foundation that runs through and holds together all the rules above:
- love the language, with all its exceptions, multiple meanings, hidden pitfalls and difficulties;
- love yourself as a teacher: do not beat yourself up over failures and mistakes, and do not hide behind a mask of arrogance and detachment;
- love your students: hyperactive and lazy, forgetful and show-offs, confrontational and emotional; treat their mistakes and negative emotions with patience and understanding; take care of everyone’s comfort;
- love every aspect of your work: from preparing a lesson to analyzing it, from familiar routines to new challenges, from teaching to self-study.
Being a real teacher is about a constant exchange of energy between the participants in the learning process. As the saying goes, you reap what you sow. So by radiating love, support and sincerity, you can get a charge of drive, positivity and gratitude from your students.