EnglishGateway :: ESL Teacher Blog

December is a bad month for many ESL students. Students who enrolled in programs eagerly in September have a tendency to slack off or lose interest around this time of year. Some students are discouraged because they feel that haven’t improved. Some students are just bored with the routine of the lessons.

Teachers should try as much as possible to find ways to motivate the students to not give up, and continue studying. Teachers can remind students that it is difficult to accurately judge their own progress.

Students may feel that their language skills have not improved since September. They need to be reminded of the achievements they’ve made since beginning the course. Perhaps, they lacked confidence to perform such tasks as ordering a pizza in English, over the telephone, a few months earlier, but now are able to complete the task easily. Students should be given the opportunity to reflect on their goals. Adult students are goal-oriented and sometimes they can renew interest in the course by reviewing their goals.

Teachers can also re-energize students by changing the routine and structure of the class as much as possible. Avoid doing activities, although effective, that have been done week after week in the class. Instead, try bringing in supplementary materials that are relevant to the students and their needs. Get students interested in working together. Assign group projects/presentations or organize a class party, or social event. Students will be less likely to give up a lesson or course, if they feel a bond with the other members of the class.

Motivation