Teachers, What unconventional or creative teaching techniques have you used?

"What unconventional or creative teaching techniques have you found to be most effective for engaging students, especially those who struggle with motivation?"

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Occasionally, I have students take the lead by teaching a mini-lesson on a subject they love or are particularly good at. This not only enhances their grasp of the material but also shifts the classroom from a teacher-dominated setting to one that is more student-centered:)

  • Student-led discussion where my students takes over and teach a certain topic. This is to make them take accountability of their own learning.

  • Drill exercises, group work, flashcards, storytelling, role play and grammar games.

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  • One of my teaching techniques is that I ask students to act out real-world situations, like asking for directions or ordering online. This helps in boosting confidence in speaking and also makes learning fun.

  • Simple! Just preserve a good sense of humour and an encouraging attitude even when the student makes a mistake or struggles. Let them know everyone does struggle at the beginning and its not a crime. Increase the students' self-confidence by telling them you do not mind correcting them with the pronunciation and sorrect use of grammar every time they make a mistake. IN other words help them fire away without getting shy or worrying about mistakes...

  • I occasionally have students learn new content at home through videos and readings, using classroom time for discussions, projects, or hands on activities.

  • From the very start I use a method which is somewhat unconventional. My method is based on the extensive research undertaken by Professor Stephen Krashen in the USA, Dr Paul Sulzberger of Victoria University, New Zealand, Robin Callan, creator of the "Callan Method" and last but not least A. J. Hoge. They have been able to conclusively prove that the almost sacrosanct "Grammar-Translate" method which many tutors hold so dear to their hearts, to be the most difficult, useless way to learn English. it enables students to solve little grammar puzzles and analyse a sentence or two, and little else. The best way to learn a language is not by studying it, but by using the it listening and speaking. I've developed a method which I call "Learning English With Your Ears". The students find it tough at the beginning, but they start seeing results very quickly, and this drives their motivation to achieve more and more. However, don't take my word for it, read my student reviews!

  • Being motivated when learning something new is not easy for some students , a good method can be to have a conversation outside the lesson and than you can ask the student what lesson he wants to talk about that day.

  • Saleem Akhtar
    Saleem AkhtarCountry flag: pk
    ESL Teacher

    I have been using direct method of teaching a language.

  • Before the start of a lesson I make sure I introduce pictures that introduces the topic I want to speak about

  • Communicative techniques

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