Large Groups Management

Having a large class group demands a different approach and more strategic methods from teachers. 

Whether or not, the strategies on the youtube video could work in our country depends on how well we can reach a sustainable adaptation, plus considering the expected reaction from students. 

On the video we were able to get a glimpse of the students' behavior, they were children. The class dynamic seemed fast-paced, the teachers had pretty clear fluency. The one who wasn't of american origin, talked about the use of multimedia. Another one, advised to display the students' work on the classroom's walls. 

Basic points such as having respect, giving rewards, and not humiliating anyone, need to be taken into account, no matter the age or level. It is only the language, methodology or topics, which require adequate changes according to each specific group we deal with.

An effective tip for teaching large groups, is simple but also witty. We can provide individual attention to each student or group, by taking a few days, and avoid attempting to attend everyone in only one class, for it's almost impossible, not to even mention, exhausting...

When having the classroom physically organized, allowing students to move around the class, was brought up, it was hard not to think that in our reality, we aren't very likely to enjoy the benefits of much free space, since the classrooms tend to be small. 

The one part I thought is generally the same in El Salvador, is setting up classroom logistics. Most teachers I know do plan their activities, follow determined patterns, organize students, etc. In that regard, there's not much difficulty to be faced, but of course, preparation time is required.

Maybe "being proactive" is not so common in our country, and it should not be that way. Nevertheless, it is in fact, understandable. Lots of teachers aren't proactive due to the lack of motivation they have, with low salaries, poor conditions, etc. And besides, students aren't keen to plan their own activities and seriously consider pedagogical issues. But perhaps through playful means we can try to change these paradigms.

Usefulness Of The Internet

-Using the internet with EFL students can turn out to be an appealing way to draw attention through technologically interactive means. There are many advantages we can make use of when having internet access. So, there's a positive vibe surrounding the matter.

-The last time I used the internet in class, I felt compelled to apply my prior knowledge and learn more info. And it is valid to mention that the tools we learn to use via internet, may come in handy in the future, and for various purposes, not only education. We should keep that in mind, so that our interest and focus increases on what is explained.

-Currently, there are several reasons why it is relevant to relate the learning process to the internet. Besides the infinite number of possibilities and resources, being in touch with modern tools should not be overlooked. If not, our options in life will be continue to be narrowed down in general terms.

It is important to keep ourselves up to date, we cannot have the luxury of simply go on ignoring technological novelties that could serve as great aid in class development.

-It is my understanding there's evidence that we can actually use just about every intelligence when using the internet. The trick is probably knowing how to accomplish that.  We need to at least try to find the best online resources, check if they are trustable. 

Examples:

A) When reading and analyzing an article we use our logical and intrapersonal intelligences.

B) Associating concepts to pictures (visual intelligence).

C) Messenger calls (audio) and chat (Interpersonal intelligence).

D) Teleconferences (live audiovisual stream) and video-chat

(Kinesthetic intelligence, body language: mimics, gestures, etc.)

Therefore, the only thing we need to apply them is having the means and ideas to include the different intelligences whenever we get the chance to have an internet-related class.

Of course, I'm aware that the access won't be available everywhere or not fully functional. People always complain and are quick to recall the worst case scenarios of no resources in our country, time, culture, etc.

However, those are also common excuses to plainly avoid doing something innovative or that requires preparation. Most like to pick the easiest ways, as often as they can. I'm not saying I've never done that. Unfortunately that's not necessarily the best thing we can do. So, I think that if it is possible, the internet should be given a chance, unless we truly want to remain almost the same as an entire decade ago...

Oh, and to share something we can do with internet tools, using just a microphone and a few pictures, I created a little voicethread in the site teacher Aida showed us the other day (feel free to comment):

http://voicethread.com/share/1477277/