challenges in one to one teaching
TRANSCRIPT
#TOSCON15May 23rd, 2015
Thiago Veigga
Challenges in one-to-
one teaching
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
• One-to-one x groups• The teacher• Materials• Design a one-to-one course (needs
analysis)• Common problems and difficult
students
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Reasons for teaching one-to-one:
More flexibilityCost/ value for moneyTimings and paceLess intimidating for new teachers
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Groups X One-to-one:
The teacher/ student relationship- build a closer relationship with students
Course content- using the student’s interests, experiences, documents, etc.
Materials- group classes often don’t require teachers to use specialized materials.
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Groups X One-to-one:
The student as a resource- experience and knowledge which students bring to the classroom can be exploited.
Feedback and areas of difficulty- easier to give personalized feedback.
Speed of progress- progress is often more rapid.
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Groups X One-to-one:
Less intimidating- the one-to-one environment is more intimate, without many complexities of group teaching.
Variety- students have specific needs and interests.
Autonomy- students in a group have limited control over classroom activities
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Groups X One-to-one:
The teacher as a participant- focus on the content of the conversation and on the language used.
Teaching techniques- pair/ group work and peer correction are not options anymore.
Psychological factors- personality clashes.
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Groups X One-to-one:
Cost- expectations.
Intensity- learners and teachers need to concentrate all the time.
Personality- there is no pressure to be interesting.
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
(Osbourne, 2005)
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Key to be a successful one-to-one teacher:
Establish a good rapport with the student.
PatienceEmpathyDiscretionAn interest in other people(Osbourne, 2005)
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Roles of a one-to-one teacher according to Wisniewska (2010)
Conversation partnerObserver and listenerFeedback providerMentor and guideLearner
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Roles of a one-to-one teacher according to Osbourne (2005)
TeacherInterlocutorTherapistMother/ father figureFriend and confidant(e)
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Materials:
Resist doing too much advance preparation of materials until the needs analysis has been completed.
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Needs analysis
WhatWhyFactors affecting the processHow
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Needs analysis: what
Identify goals Reasons for taking the courseLanguage skillsLearner’s backgroundThe situations language will be used (how/what/where/with whom/how often)?
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Needs analysis: why
LessonsAttitude
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Needs analysis: factors affecting the process
AgeLevelCultural backgroundNeeds, lacks and wants
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Needs analysis: how
(Wisniewska, 2010)
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Materials:
StudentsCommercial ELT materialsAuthentic materialsAdapting and creating materialsClass planning
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Potential problems in class:
Tired studentsAnxious students Students that lack confidenceRude studentsDemanding studentsPersonality clashesCulture shock
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Problem students:
Mariana is taking lessons in preparation for IELTS. She arrives late for lessons or does not show up at all.
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Problem students:
Hani left messages in your voicemail saying he loves you. You suspect he was drunk.
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Problem students:
Henrieta is a student in her late sixties, about to retire. Her company has decided she should take English classes. She’s very unmotivated.
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
Problem students:
Bruno is an Italian businessman who constantly questions your pedagogical and linguistic judgment. He is considerably older than you and obviously thinks you are too young to be teaching him.
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
References Bowen, T. (2008). One Stop English. One-to-one: 10 practical teaching tips. Retrieved 21.05.15 from:http://www.onestopenglish.com/section.asp?catid=58054&docid=144647 Meldrum, N. & Clandfield, L. “One-to-one: Methodology”. Retrieved 21.05.15 from:http://www.onestopenglish.com/section.asp?sectionType=listsummary&catid=58050&docid=144657 Murphey, T. (1991). Teaching One to One. Harlow: Longman. Osborne, P. (2005). Teaching English One to One. Modern English Publishing. Rea-Dickins, P. & Germaine, K. (1992). Evaluation. Oxford: OUP.Scrivener, J. “One-to-one: teaching tips - Tips for longer lessons”. Retrieved 21.05.15 from:http://www.onestopenglish.com/section.asp?catid=58054&docid=144648 Thornbury, S. (2006). An A-Z of ELT. London: Macmillan. Triggs, T.D. (1996). First Certificate Testbuilder. London: Heinemann. Wilberg, P. (1987). One to One. Hove: Language Teaching Productions.
Challenges in one-to-one teaching
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