Creating an attractive physical classroom environment

Creating an attractive physical classroom environment

Very often teachers overlook the significance of an attractive and motivating physical environment. However, teachers can make a significant contribution to the physical environment in which teaching and learning takes place. The following is some practical advice.

Pay attention to seating arrangement. For example, you can encourage and facilitate cooperation among students (e.g. pair or group work), by carefully arranging three to four desks together (Levin and Nolan, 1996:126).

Make effective use of bulletin boards and display areas. These are excellent for displaying students' work, such as collaborative tasks and projects.

Posters, maps, newspaper clippings, can be used in order to provide a stimulus for classroom discussion. Posters can also familiarize students with cultural elements of the countries in which the English language is spoken.

Classroom procedures and rules are necessary for effective classroom organization. Posting these guidelines on a bulletin board is a good way to communicate them to students.

Bring to the classroom a number of English books, so that students can borrow them. This can serve as a stimulus for learners to read authentic English texts (e.g. literature) and familiarize themselves with English culture and history.

Motivation is the key to success in learning. First year students at Nanyang Business School, Singapore, started their English Proficiency course stigmatized as poor in language skills and demotivated in their study of English. The previous methods (grammar-based, teacher-centered, and with the emphasis on the final exam) and materials (standardized American textbooks written for ESL students) were revised to promote motivation and autonomy. The methodology was changed to utilize cooperative learning, learner choice, reflection and more active classroom and outside activities. Teaching materials were revised into a new textbook that used locally relevant texts and topics pertinent to Business and Accountancy students. Results of questionnaires from four cohorts of students showed positive responses to the changes. These questionnaires were also reflective exercises that folded into the theoretical concepts of increasing motivation. A noticeable disconnect between the goals of students (better writing and speaking skills) and a preferred strategy (reading) points toward a need to overtly teach learner strategies in order to make students feel successful and thus empower them. The ultimate goal is for students to take control of their own learning to become autonomous learners.

This article is practical in nature. Its aim is to provide English teachers with a set of strategies and practical suggestions in order to help their students develop a positive attitude toward learning English as a foreign language

Teacher Student Relationships

Teachers can make a valuable contribution to developing a friendly relationship with their students. The following is a checklist with appropriate and effective teacher behavior:

Remember that your everyday classroom behavior is important.

 Most students consider their teacher as a role model. For this reason, in order to motivate your students to learn English, you need to be enthusiastic, cheerful and sincere. (Brophy, 2004:28). Show your students that you actually care for them, and you are there to help them master the English language, rather that constantly criticizing or correcting them. Students want teachers who are friendly, caring, and trustworthy (Ebata, 2008). Always be well prepared for the lesson, and show willingness to answer students' questions