Less Is More: Slow Down, Don't Rush

In your classroom spaces, whether it be large or small group, or one-on-one tutoring, focus on what your students are doing or producing as opposed to what information you are giving them (i.e. grammar point, vocabulary). There is often a tendency for teachers to get through an agenda instead of focusing on this simple question: “Where is learning taking place?”  

For example, if your classroom has just spent the last 15 minutes in a large group setting reading together a set of basic demographic/information questions and answers*—don’t rush it. Don’t assume everyone’s “got it” because a majority of students answer aloud in the group setting. Don’t rush this learning opportunity by moving immediately to your next agenda item.  

Teaching Tips: 

• Slow down. Give students a chance to process the work you’ve just done together. Learning takes time. 

• Give extra time. Give students the chance to check their understanding of the target language. Learning takes time.  

• Check yourself. Give yourself time to check student comprehension. Where can you assist or challenge a learner? 

Extension activities: 

1. Put students in pairs. Ask students to practice the same set of questions/answers with a partner. 

2. Add movement. Ask students to stand (as able). Repeat the Q & A in a mingle (ask one or several students). 

3. Add a writing focus. If students have orally practiced these questions—can they put their answers in writing? 

This extension can have a new focus each time; check spelling, grammar, capital letters, punctuation, sentence structure, etc.  

*Basic demographic/information questions: What is your first name? Where are you from? How long have you lived here? Where do you live now? How do you get to school? Do you work now? Where did you work before?

Thank you to Learning Quality Program Manager Mya Shaftel for this Tutor Tip! For questions or comments on this tip, contact Training Coordinator Meghan Boyle at [email protected].