Content Introduction Chapter I. Planning a comprehension instructional sequence lesson

2.2 The importance in the classroom situation, to make the best possible environment for the weaker students
All three teachers thought a quiet and calm atmosphere was important. They all also believed that the teacher needs to use very clear instructions. It is not enough to just say something. The teacher needs to write on the board, repeat, walk around and make sure they know what to do. The female teacher added that the teacher must be very well prepared and know exactly what he/she is going to do, and always bring extra material. The teacher also has to encourage everyone. It is important to give positive feedback, comment on both content and language and give them advice on what they need to practice more, not just correct the mistakes. The special teacher also added that the students need to feel that they know what to do, how to do it and that they understand and do not feel stupid. It is important to enhance their self-confidence, so they are not afraid to ask questions. She also believed that it is very important how the teacher approaches them. The teacher may need to decrease the material to work with as well as give them time and offer extra help. Do you talk to your students, one at a time, about how they are doing in English and what they need to improve? Again there was a difference between what the regular teachers said and what the special teacher said. The male and the female teacher said that they did so at least once each course, often once in the middle and another time at the end, after the national tests. Both wished they had more time to talk to the students. If a student has specific problems they usually talk with him/her earlier and may even contact the special teacher in English. The student can be given the offer to take an extended A course with the special teacher instead. The male teacher said that he tries to motivate them by encouraging them, boosting their self confidence, telling them not to compare themselves with others in the class. Both the male and the female teacher give the students advice on how to improve.
The special teacher told me that she has these talks all the time. She always encourages each student, and if she is displeased she lets them know that too. She discusses what is hard for them and how they think she could help them, for example if they would like more individual help. She gives them tips all the time. It is a constant dialogue. What kind of special help in English does your school offer? At what point do you offer this to the student? All teachers told me that they offer the help of a special teacher in English and that they get this offer early. Every student does a test in English, Swedish and Maths when they start upper secondary school, and based on their results some students get the chance to go to a special teacher in English. There are two kinds of special help. The first one is just support in addition to the regular English classes, and the second one is an offer of special teaching in English only. The second one is offered if the student does not pass the A course. They are then given the opportunity to attend a prolonged A course with the special teacher instead. It has been shown that the students who get this extra help really appreciate it. The female teacher added that she thought the school should have more special teachers in English. It is necessary because now all students have to study English, and not all are motivated to do so. She believed that we need more resources because the number of students needing extra help is increasing. But it is very important to talk to the student about it, show that we care and that they have to decide what is best for them. It goes without saying that our surroundings affect us consciously and subconsciously. The environment we are in can motivate us to focus on our tasks or cause distractions that will make us lose concentration. For students, the environment where they learn and study affects their productivity. As students spend a significant 6 to 7 hours of their time daily in their classrooms, it is essential for educators to ensure that their students have a conducive environment that promotes learning. Creating a space that promotes learning amongst students does not just benefit the students, as teachers will also find it easier and more enjoyable to teach students who are focused on their lessons. Instead of the boring classroom setting with the teacher by the blackboard and students in rows of tables, here are five things that you as a teacher can do to create a comfortable environment for your students: Teachers can come out with thought-provoking topics that require the students to think and share their opinions with no prejudice. Having discussions and even debates promotes creativity and critical thinking, which are important life skills that students should inculcate while they are still in school. Planned interaction also gives quieter students the opportunity to express themselves where they would normally not speak up. Rather than a classroom where only the teacher speaks and the students merely listen, create one that promotes interaction, be it amongst students themselves or between teachers and students. Conversations are great for making lessons more entertaining for students, as this makes learning more than just about listening, copying down notes, and doing homework. Teachers can come out with thought-provoking topics that require the students to think and share their opinions with no prejudice. Having discussions and even debates promotes creativity and critical thinking, which are important life skills that students should inculcate while they are still in school. Planned interaction also gives quieter students the opportunity to express themselves where they would normally not speak up. Students spend a significant amount of their time in school, with the majority of this time being in the classroom. Therefore, the layout and arrangement of the classroom should be one that encourages students to be productive. Instead of sticking to the typical classroom arrangement that we are so accustomed to, opt to have different sections of the room with each serving a specific purpose. For example, a quiet corner for students to study, a discussion area for students to have discussions, a fun corner where students can play games, etc. This enables both the students and teachers to better utilise the classroom to facilitate the learning and teaching process. As a start, experiment and try out different layouts that give both teachers and students the opportunity to interact better. A great seating arrangement to start out with is to have the students sit in a semi-circle in front of the teacher. This enables the teachers to be within close proximity with the students thus being able to communicate with them more effectively and at a more personal level. Studies have shown that colours stimulate the brain, therefore work with colours to create a vibrant and lively environment that supports creativity and learning. A colourful classroom not only helps to stimulate the brain, it also helps students to stay focused and refreshed when studying. However, it is important to note that the classroom should not have colours like bright red and orange as they might over-stimulate the learners instead. A great way to instantly add pops of colour to the classroom is by using coloured paper. Teachers can organise arts and crafts sessions with the students to decorate the classroom, which is another fun activity to keep classes interesting for the students. Hey there! Don't mean to interrupt, but if you've questions about what to study, you can get in touch with our education counsellors here! Students learn best when they are motivated and a great way to keep them driven is by rewarding achievements. Oftentimes, it is only the high achievers that win most school-based awards and this can cause weaker students to feel left out and unmotivated. Therefore, having a special awards program for your own classroom is a great way to encourage the weaker students and make them feel appreciated as well. Apart from awarding the top performers, teachers can also create unique awards like “Most Helpful”, “Class Sports Star”, “Most Improved”, “Friendship Award”, “Kindest Kid” etc. These will give every student a chance to be valued and feel included regardless of their academic prowess. Feel free to invite the parents for the awards ceremony as well so that they can see how their children are doing in school. Remember, celebrating success is one of the best ways to give students extra drive to perform well in class. Games are a great addition to any class, as they enable students to play amongst themselves and foster a closer relationship with one another while they learn. Also, games can help to reduce stress especially when examinations are looming. Board games are amazing tools to teach students strategy, cooperation skills, and leadership. Board games like Scrabble and Boggle help to improve language mastery, Settlers of Catan and Ticket to Ride are amazing tools to teach students strategy and problem-solving skills, while Menara and Forbidden are great for inculcating leadership and cooperation.