(Author of the article – Nadezda Popova: EFL Teacher, Cambridge CELT-S Tutor; Cambridge C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency, CELTA, TKT CLIL, Delta M1, Train the Trainer)
When you teach groups, it happens that people come and go. New students might want to join you anytime: in the middle of an academic year or after a couple of classes. If a group is relatively new and has just started, this will be easier for everyone. However, there are certain things to consider when people in the class have been studying together for a long time.
New students usually join a group after their level of English has been tested. A written test can be not enough. Make sure that a speaking test is done, too. If it is possible, get the student tested yourself. As you know your learners better than anyone else, it will be easier for you to understand if the group fits or not. It is a good idea to include in testing some of the recent topics that you have covered. You can even give the newcomer some parts of the last unit test which was done in the group.
Every school or language centre has a set of rules and routines which are well known to all the students. When a newcomer arrives, you might want to help them get familiar with this information in advance. Plan a short meeting, if possible, to tell the student about the way you work and study. If a child or a teenager is joining you, it is a good idea to talk to the parents too. Here are some things to talk about:
‘Guys, this is Tim!’. ‘Hello, Tim!’ ‘Great, let’s check the homework’. If this is your plan for the first class with a new student, think again. Saying something like ‘Well, tell us something about yourself now’ can also be not the best way to make everyone comfortable. The new student will feel shy while the others will still be curious to know something about the newcomer. Instead, run a little activity which can help you to build rapport and the learners – to know each other. Here are some ideas to try:
Of course, your choice will depend on the students’ age and level. However, all the activities mentioned above can help students learn more about each other and, probably, find common ground and feel more confident.
Peer teaching is when one learner with a deeper knowledge of the subject helps and instructs fellow students. Peer feedback happens when learners check each other’s work, say, writing or speaking, and assess or give feedback. As we always look for ways to make our teaching process more student-centred, this strategy brings several benefits. Sometimes students can enjoy interacting with each other more than with their teachers. Peer communication is usually less intimidating than doing open-class activities or talking to the teacher face-to-face.
If you add peer teaching activities to your classes, it will help new students feel a sense of belonging to the group. Students can help each other with tests, teach vocabulary, check writings or speaking performance according to the teacher-made criteria. Also, if someone is late and arrives in the middle of the activity, you can group this person with another student or students. They will explain what is being done and help to stay on track. Peer activities are generally great for building rapport, but they are even more helpful when it comes to new students.
After a couple of weeks, remember to check in with the newcomer. You might ask the student to come a bit earlier or stay after the class. Nothing serious, just a couple of questions to make sure that they are getting used to your routines, making progress and feeling comfortable. No doubts, though, that you always remember to do so with all of your students from time to time.