As in any other classroom, we will encounter reluctant people to participate actively or nicely. In our case, several issues may arise, apart from the usual ones. Here are some examples:
- Learners not prone to work as a part of a team.
- Disinterest toward the topic.
- Shy people who don't like to interact, speak in public.
- Students with high affective filter for languages acquisition.
- Leadership conflicts.
The most effective way to sort out these "problems" is to prevent them from happening.
Share some ideas about preventive strategies for each of the situations mentioned.
Think about other possible disruptive situations.
Now, in the face-to-face version of this course, we are going to choose some of these real scenarios and perform a role play to put into practice the suggested strategies, assess them, and come up with out-of-the-box alternatives.
Aim for a smooth experience for both the teacher and the learners🥰
An outstanding aspect in order to have students gently participating is to be very open minded towards their genuine outcomes. Let's not forget about praising the extra effort they are doing when activating all the social, intellectual, and affective skills these lessons demand from them.
It would be a shame to manage to get them involved and lose your / their momentum because we are too concerned about getting certain results.
About the classroom arrangement.
Most of us will acknowledge that the ideal classroom is a dynamic one where desks are often relocated, children can stand up and move, materials are varied, and different corners are set.
All of us know that in public schools this is a fantasy regarding timing, safety, access to electronic devices, etc.
But: hard work always pays off!❤️ and practice makes perfect. So: though it can get tough at the beginning, trust yourself, and dare to use the space flexibly. It will definitely motivate learners and allow you to make truly attractive and effective proposals.
Learn to be comfortable with a bit of mess and make the most of your classroom
HAVE FUN!!
Build a strong rapport among workmates
Finally, keep in mind that CLIL is far more enjoyable and enriching if you don't carry it out all alone!
Always take care of your workmates and ask for/ offer help if necessary so that, together, we overcome these kinds of limitations.❤️