What are some ideas to help teach English to middle school aged Chinese students?

Question

I am an English teacher living in China, and I am having a hard time reaching my students. All they want to do is play games that will not help increase their vocabulary or their understanding of English and they play dumb all the time even though many of them are intelligent. I could really use some advice from other teachers of English who are or have been in a similar situation. Bascially, I just need some fun, interesting lesson plan ideas that will make them want to learn English. I really want to them to leave my classroom at the end of this classroom with more knowledge than when they came into it. I'm really sick of the answer, "I don't knowa." Thanks for all your help.

Answer 1

Use the skills and techniques you learned during your TESL course! That's why you took it! Do you plan all your lessons in advance? You should. Do you understand the specific areas where your students need to grow as English speakers? You should. Consider following this model (AIM-LP)

Activation - a diagnostic task/activity to see how much of the target language they already know

Input Model - a sample of the target language used in context (either oral or written) that they can refer to in the next step

Language Focus - two activities that focus on the meaning, form and pronunciation of the target language. Start with a more closed activity (like matching or a gap-fill) and move to a more open activity (writing their own sentences or giving a brief speech using the target language based on parameters that you set)

Production - a task that replicates a real-world situation where the target language would be used (writing a postcard, acting out a shopping scene, writing a resume and rehearsing a job interview, giving directions based on a map, etc.)

Go in with a plan for the day and stick to it! Don't let your students push you around!

Answer 2

I saw one University prof used well known English songs (70's to current) as teaching tools. She/he (I never met the prof, I just saw the supplies laying about in the languages room) used fill in the blank, predictions, correct the song, etc. Using text they already know, one can teach pronunciation, tense, vocabulary, rhyming, rhythm, spelling etc. You can adjust it to the appropriate age level. Of course not all songs are in perfect English, so you would have to choose wisely and clear up some of the errors.
I don't suggest all of your lessons be based on this, but it will be a fun way while they are still learning a good deal.

Answer 3

Most faculties insist you could have a Degree and lots of additionally insist you could have a TEFL certificates too so that you've got no less than a little bit coaching in educating. To paintings legally in China you wish to have a Z visa. This can simplest be received through imparting a a call for participation from an organization to a Chinese Embassy external of China. Many faculties ask you to go into on an L ( visitor ) visa and will then convert this to a Z visa in the neighborhood. But please don't forget that it's unlawful to paintings with simply an F visa and also you WILL be deported if you're stuck. Private educating is extra moneymaking however how do you get a Z visa if you don't have any organization?.... You are not able to ! Google " Teaching in China " for more information. Life in China is VERY special to the West. Very few folks keep for longer than their agreement time. If you have not been to Asia earlier than I would not endorse it. Try Thailand its MUCH less complicated. If you make a decision to visit China DO NOT paintings within the geographical region persist with the towns. The geographical region is VERY complex to paintings in for lots of. Medievil is the phrase I might use. Be very carefull approximately the folks you're employed for. Their are MANY MANY con artists and scammers in China. Also take any agreement that you're supplied with a HUGE pinch of salt. Many employers without problems don't honour them. The Teaching internet sites are stuffed with horror studies of non repayments, additional hours, unpaid air fares and on the whole dangerous remedy of Foreign academics. You will have to be furnished with FREE lodging and a go back airfare for a 12 month agreement, unmarried airfare for a 6 month agreement.( thats the regulation ) But do NOT think that your lodging will likely be as much as Western specifications. Most isn't. If you're supplied paintings ask to SPEAK to one of the crucial Foreign academics there earlier than you take delivery of it. If they decline to mean you can DONT cross there. As for cash don't paintings for lower than 5000rmb for sixteen - 20 hours. If you do you're being ripped off. Schools make many many 1000's of rmb from charging their pupils for being taught through a overseas academics. ( We labored it out as soon as and the tuition that myself and a further FT had been operating in made approximately 500,000 rmb in keeping with time period and the pupils were given the impact they we obtained ALL of that ) ! Do no longer consider the Chinese posters that make out that China is " heaven on Earth " it's not. They will simplest let you know what they believe will provide a well impact in their nation. The fact may be very special. It relatively is a mine subject. Please be very very carefull. Good good fortune !

Answer 4

It seems to me .. you need to make your teaching more challenging for them. Look up edsitement.com for lesson plans. they may help. You also might consider cooperative grouping with a huge task for them to focus on and give them incentives so they will want to learn.