Great ideas to try out in class

1. Ideas on how to help our students to
be more successful
William Sastoque V.
Centro Cultural Colombo Americano - Cali
The following paper lists 20 ideas discussed in the workshop. They point at helping students
improve in different areas with the guide of the teacher.
Study habits
Showing interest:
• Devote 5 minutes in every class for students to freely ask for help.
• Establish a “big brother” system.
Participation
• Use turn taking cards.
• Allow time for students to brainstorm before participating.
Punctuality
• Praise students who are always on time.
• Find out reasons why students are late and think of solutions.
Taking notes
• Compare notes about the class with a partner.
• Use paraphrasing when doing listening. Report what they hear.
Using English in class
• Allow students time to chit-chat in English.
• Teach students how to make definitions of words.
Successful students: How do they do it? William Sastoque

2. Learning strategies
Reviewing
• Teach students what the main parts of a review are.
• Assign homework.
Self-monitoring
• Have clear objectives for each class.
• Create a board or place for students to write their doubts and questions at the end
of a lesson.
Asking questions
• Encourage students to always ask more from an answer.
• Use Wh-word question cards in your class.
Recycling
• Include a vocabulary review in each lesson.
• Use brainstorming with previous topics from time to time.
Avoid translation
• Teach compensation techniques.
• Use flashcards/pictures to foster visualization techniques.
Successful students: How do they do it? William Sastoque