Today is the start of the new schedule of ESL program in BIS. I was assigned to handle level 5 students in the morning, a speech class, and a vocabulary class, which is both in the afternoon.My morning class is composed of 5 students which are not new to me. They were the same students I handled last ESL program. Our speech class this time will focus in Demonstrative speech, which I believed is the easiest speech for all students especially to the speech teacher.
During break time, all ESL teachers met in the library. There were some concerns from the administration about the teaching behavior of some teachers. We were reminded again to make our morning class more interesting, not to sit all the time during class time, not to bring a laptop in the class, and to check our personal hygiene.
It also came to the attention of the administrators of some teachers who are always using puzzles,coloring papers,etc. instead of teaching the students in the classroom. Personally, I am not against of using it in the classroom. It is a good supplement during ESL class. However, it must be used properly, and must meet the objectives of the class lesson. Those supplement materials shouldn’t be used in the class just to kill the time, or, just for the sake of making the students busy in the classroom.
One reason why some ESL teachers experienced teaching problems is the lack of preparation. A teacher who do not prepare has always classroom problems- problems lead to misbehavior, and misbehavior leads to daily struggle between teacher and students. It will also make the teacher stressful, burned out and angry everyday.
However, if a teacher has plans and is ready for teaching, then it will create a positive classroom environment. It will also be easy for the teacher to managed the classroom. According to the book, “First Days of School”, there are four characteristics of a well managed classroom:
| Characteristics | Effective Teacher | Ineffective Teacher |
| 1. high level of student involvement | Examples: a. Students are working. | Examples: a. Teacher is working. |
| 2. clear student expectation | Examples: a. Students know that assignments are based on objectives. b. Students know that tests are based on objectives. | Examples: a. Teacher says,”Read Chapter 3 and know the material.” b. I’ll give you a test covering everything in chapter 3. |
| 3. relatively little wasted time, confusion, or disruption | Examples: a. Teacher has procedures and routines. b. Teacher starts class immediately. c. Teacher has assignments posted. | Examples: a. Teacher makes up rules and punishes according to his or her mood. b. Teacher takes roll and dallies. c. Students ask for assignments repeatedly. |
| 4. work-oriented but relaxed and pleasant climate | Examples: a.Teacher has invested time in practicing procedures until they become routines. b. Teacher knows how to bring class to attention. c. Teacher knows how to praise the deed and encourage the student. | Examples: a. Teacher tells but does not rehearse procedures. b. Teacher yells and flicks light switch. c. Teacher uses generalized praise or none at all |
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