3.1 Teachers – Activity 1

Languages in the classroom

Think back to your most recent lesson. Did you use only one language or did you use other languages?

1. Note down what happens during the situations experienced below:

• Managing and organising – directing students to sit or stand, to call for quiet, or to have students take out their books or turn to a specific page.
• Disciplining and punishment.
• Praising and rewarding.
• Learning vocabulary.
• Explaining concepts.
• Rephrasing in the local language to ensure students understand.
• Rephrasing in a simplified version of the language of instruction.
• Direct translating of words or phrases.
• Encouraging better communication with students.
• Helping students to participate.
• Encouraging students to pay attention.
• Helping students feel more confident.

2. In general, could you describe your methods for languages in your lessons?

3. Are your methods mostly spontaneous or are they sometimes planned?

4. What do you observe about students switching between languages? When and why do they do it?

5. Do you ever ask students to use different languages in lessons? Why or why not?

If possible, talk with your colleague teachers and compare your ideas.