Psychological English Lesson Planning

By Adam Borowski

What's my level of English? Every English teacher has heard this many times. Your students want to know their English level.

Their parents want to know. Be careful how you answer this seemingly harmless question.

You don't want to sugarcoat things, but you also want to avoid caustic comments. Teachers who just complain will eventually lose their jobs.

A 'tiger mother' is standing in front of you. What do you tell her? You know the consequences for your student can be severe if you don't choose your words carefully.

Teachers must know how to balance praise and criticism It's a useful life skill to have.

When you're told your new students are advanced, it doesn't necessarily have to reflect reality.

You're likely going to end up with a mixed-ability class. Advanced students can help their less advanced friends.

Teachers often forget advanced students are an asset. What if a teacher feels threatened by a smart student?

Perhaps the student is actually a better English speaker? How can a lesson be productive if the teacher loses authority? Teachers who have a vast knowledge won't be intimidated by off-the-cuff questions.

Yes, your students are going to test you.

If you aren't confident in your abilities, your students are going to pick up on it faster than you can write your name on the board.

False confidence is better than no confidence. Don't exaggerate, because you risk turning into a caricature ― and that's the worst case scenario.

Particularly in Confucian cultures.

Here's a lesson plan structure to help you break the mental barrier

How long is your lesson? Time first.

Followed by age range. Followed by the advancement level.

Remember your idea of elementary, intermediate, and advanced isn't universal. Be specific.

Objectives ― Specify what you want your students to learn by the end of the lesson. For example ― by the end of the lesson students will have a more extensive vocabulary relating to weather phenomena

Materials ― Describe what kind of materials you're going to be using.

Make sure the materials are easy to find. You don't want...