BECOMING A CREATIVE TEACHER

I Students can become bored when they have to follow the same routine every day. Lessons should
contain a variety of activities, so teachers will often need to add interesting/interactive activities.

0 The textbook may not fit the level(s) of the students, especially if there are different levels of
language learners in the same class.

0 Unfortunately. many poorly written English textbooks have been published. These textbooks
contain many errors and often do not fit the level(s) of students they were written for.

Choosing the Best Textbook When choosing a textbook, teachers should consider the following:

o Is there a teacher‘s guide? Teacher’s guides provide ideas for using the material and suggestions
for additional activities.

0 Are there CDs. DVDs, or cassettes that accompany the textbook? These items provide support for
the material that help the students master the language points.

C What is the organization of the textbook? Is it well organized and logical? Will it be easy to

use in lesson planning?

Is there an appendix and/or glossary to help students with self learning?

Is the textbook a good fit with the teacher’s approach to teaching?

ls the textbook suitable for the students‘ level?

Is there a workbook? A workbook can provide reinforcement activities and ideas for

practicing the language.

Is the explanation of language points (vocabulary, pronunciation, etc.) clear?

Are there self study homework activities?

15 the textbook interesting? 15 it in color? Is the layout clear and easy to follow? Are the

illustrations/photographs interesting and up to date?

0 Does the content suit the culture?

I Is the textbook affordable?

Using the Textbook There are many ways to use a textbook, depending on the experience of the
teacher.

0 New teachers may want to follow the book closely until they have enough experience to begin
adding their own materials or activities. 0 Experienced teachers can select the best pans of each unit
and omit pans that do not work

well. Teachers should make sure that every English lesson includes interactive activities and other
opportunities for the students to use the language.

Teachers can supplement the textbook with their own material.

If there is a teacher‘s guide, it can provide many good ideas for using the textbook as well as ideas
for extra activities.

0 Follow any school mles about using textbooks (for example, the teacher may not be allowed to
omit sections of the textbook, etc.).

3.9 CONCLUSION
Classroom management includes deciding on a good desk arrangement, grouping students for
learning tasks, correcting errors properly, giving clear instructions, eliciting information from
students. and managing student behavior, all of which help the teacher have a well organized,
effective classroom Teachers must understand the language level(s) of their students and choose
textbooks that fit their

students‘ needs. Using a variety of Classroom management techniques will help make English class a
rewarding experience for both the students and the teacher.