Student and Teacher Responsibilities to Minimize Stress in the Classroom
It is likely that at some point in every person's life they have experienced one, if not several, stressful classroom situations. Be it as a child, teenager, or adult, regardless of student or teacher, classroom dynamics, and the number of unpredictable situations that can occur can induce stress for all parties. Children, teenagers, and adults all experience different kinds of stress and while learning a new language there is a whole other dimension of unknown grammatical challenges and unrecognizable vocabulary to add to the energy, creating tension confusion. Is it possible for a teacher to create a stress-free learning environment? What can the students of EFL do to minimize their stress and achieve a balanced classroom learning experience? Both teacher and student have different roles to play in a classroom that can create homeostasis; a stable and balanced equilibrium where the flow of learning is happening and stress is nonexistent.
Table of Contents
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This post was written by our TEFL certification graduate Jenny M. Please note that this blog post might not necessarily represent the beliefs or opinions of ITTT.
Teachers Role
Attitude
A positive and adaptable attitude within a classroom setting is a top priority. We can't bank that things will go exactly as planned 100% of the time and how we deal with curveballs can shape the energy of the classroom. For example, if the OHP goes down and no backup lesson was planned, as a teacher we can still deal with it with grace and adaptability, showcasing to the students that language can be practiced even without the aids of prepared lessons.
Also Read: Comparing English Language to Chinese Language
Lesson plan preparedness
Showing up to a classroom without a prepared and detailed lesson plan is one of the easiest ways to create stress and tension in a class. Teaching English "on the fly" usually backfires and causes the students to feel anxious and mistakes can easily be made that the teacher might not see and the students will end up studying the wrong material. Prepare lessons! Spend time planning out the curriculum and look ahead. If the teacher knows the lesson plan inside and out, then more time can be spent with the students in conversations and observation.
Environment
It is not always a possibility to prepare the classroom ahead of time if you are traveling to a company or temporary work location, but having a well-prepared room will put the students at ease and help them fall into the learning of a new language without the distractions of needing to move furniture around the mid-lesson or adjust the lighting and address unwanted noise concerns. A teacher at a temporary site should then try to arrive early so there is ample time to set up the room exactly as needed. Have enough materials and double-check to make sure AV equipment is working.
Also Read: The Secrets of Learning Proper Grammar in an ESL Class
Students Role
Show up eager to learn
Learning a new language might not always be by choice. It might be a requirement for work or school, but having an open mind, positive attitude, and willingness to put 100% effort in will make the learning easier and more worthwhile. If it is for work and only basic English is required, make the most of the situation and come to classes with a positive attitude ready to master the skills needed. Stress can be usually caused by a block or obstacle; a feeling of "I have to do this" so it won't be fun. Try swapping it out for "I choose to do this" and see how it changes the level of stress.
Ask questions
Stress from not understanding or knowing how to do the assignments is so easy to avoid, yet pride or embarrassment prevents us from asking when we need help. If you don't know, ask! The teacher will do their best to look for the confusion but saying that you understand when you have no idea what to do will cause stress. The teacher will not judge you for not knowing and you will end up saving time and energy by simply asking questions to gain clarity.
Also Read: Why Teaching English in Chile is Awesome and Will Change Your Life
Do the reading
If there is extra reading or resources suggested by the teacher, take advantage of it. Even an extra 5 minutes of reading authentic or curated material usually reinforce what you learned already in that lesson so will boost your confidence and eliminate stress.
Do you want to teach English abroad? Take a TEFL course!
These are only a few suggestions that can mitigate stressful situations in classroom settings. At the end of the day whether it is a teacher or student, take a deep breath, relax, and know that we can always try again. The best learning happens in a space where the energy is calm, and the teacher and students know what is expected of them.
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