Importance of Paying Attention in English Language Class

Today, I had a surprise class I had promise to the students do to their bad behavior last class, but many students were absent (I don’t know, maybe they were afraid of what I was going to do). Instead of conducting a regular class, I wrote the answers on the blackboard and provided sound clips so they could study independently since they weren't paying attention during the previous class. Next, I called one student from each group and interviewed them individually about the homework. If students were proficient in English, I wouldn't mind them not paying attention, but since many were struggling, it was apparent that their lack of attention was a problem. They couldn't hold a good conversation with me about their homework, which reflected in their low grades. I admit that I was tough on them.

At the end of the class, I asked them if they preferred continuing with today's approach or going back to the old method. Previously, I would give them maximum points for attempting the homework, but today they received poor grades because of their performance. While it isn't their fault if they don't speak English well, it is their responsibility to pay attention in class. They promised to behave better during the next class, so I agreed to return to the old method.

YouTube

During the second half of the class, we used music to practice pronunciation and had fun singing together. I hoped that they understood that I wasn't their enemy and that I only wanted what was best for them, which in this case meant learning English well.

Article by Marcelo Gameiro

Published 06 Apr 2023