June on the TEFL Times has been set aside for a series of articles from Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa, the creator and writer of TEFL Tips.

The best teachers are those who keep on learning and trying new things. Here are some ideas to help you get started about learning about teaching. And even if you’re an experienced teacher, you’ll find some ideas below to help you out.

Dos

●Visit your local library and check out books on teaching.

● Ask to observe some classes at your local school, university, or language school. Take notes on the different teaching methods that you observe and then try to use them in your own classes.

● Talk to teachers. Even new teachers have some tips on discipline, activities, or things to do in class.

● Join forums to get new ideas. There are lots of people eager to share their information with others. You can take note of their ideas and add your own as well.

● Attend workshops, congresses, and conferences. Not only can you learn valuable information about teaching, but it’s also a great place to network.

● Volunteer to teach. There are many opportunities out there. And you can get valuable teaching experience and help others learn in the process.

Try a wide variety of setting, beginners to advanced, young to old. There are different groups that appeal to different students.

● Look online for ready-made worksheets and activities. There are heaps of fun activities to do, no matter what you’re teaching.

● Ask your institute to create a resource center for teachers. You can leave material that you’ve made and borrow material that others have made.

● Enroll in a class. Lots of language institutes offer classes for teachers. It’s a great way to learn about new ideas and methods.

● Go for a higher diploma or degree. If you already have a BA, consider getting a PGDE or an MA. Not only will you learn more, but it will also open up doors for you.

● Listen to your students. Students are the best form of feedback. Take the last five minutes of class and ask your students what they liked best and least of your lesson.

● Have other teachers observe you and tell you what you think.

● Look for new opportunities to move up. Once you’ve been teaching for a while, try getting a higher position, like head teacher.

Don’ts

● Reject new ideas before trying them.

● Think that you know all there is to know. You can always learn more. Methods are constantly changing as well, so you need to update how you teach.

● Get stuck in a rut. If you find yourself in automatic mode, it might be time to change jobs, or at least take on a new class.

● Be narrow-minded, you can learn from all types of people, from the teacher-backpacker to the lifers.
About the author

Sharon K Couzens de Hinojosa is the creator and writer for TEFL Tips, The LA Job List, and The Ultimate Peru List. She enjoys answering people’s questions about TEFLing and Peru.