Classroom Advice

After two years of doing this, I get the feeling
that conversation class is,for the French, about
as fun as going to the Dentist. They sit there,
docile, letting me poke and prod them with my
questions and activities until it’s over. But if
you can be charismatic and listen to them, take
them seriously, relate to them, then you may be
able to have some fun or at least walk away
without having caused too much pain.

Here are a few do’s and don’ts I’ve learned from
making mistakes...

Do:
- learn their names.
- act sure of yourself, even if you’re not.
They’ll believe you.
- ask them what they want to talk about, and try
to use their ideas.
- give them challenging subjects and questions.
- talk about events in France as well as in your
country.
- ask whoever is chatting to stand up and speak
English in front of the class.
- always have filler activities ready.
- take attendance and record everything, even if
you’re not asked to. It could come in handy later.
- joke and laugh a bit.
- Be flexible. If the conversation strays but it’s
still in English, then go with it.