Tuesday, June 23, 2009ESL Teacher Blog: Student Attendance at School Parties and Other Social Events
- Rarely do school social events attract the same turnout as regular classes throughout the year (well, maybe Christmas party excluded).
When my students ask me for advice on how best to proceed with learning English, I always tell them to try and make a friend/acquaintance with a native speaker. I encourage them to participate in social events and school outings and connect with the staff. Many are skeptical about being ever able to connect and yet they all agree that this sort of social interaction is the ultimate goal of learning the language.
So why a drop in attendance as soon as students and teachers get together in a less formal setting? Isn’t this what most students would like to experience: casual talk in an informal setting?
It’s true some people are shy by nature and avoid being the centre of attention, especially if conversing in a foreign language. Yet, the main reasons why social events are under-attended may also be the following:
-spontaneity: the conversation topics that come up may change unexpectedly and make students grasp for words
-fear of unknown: new games or activities may deter participation (what if I don’t understand the rules and look foolish?)
-being unfamiliar with cultural routines and peculiarities: uncertainty of what’s appropriate to say and when, how behave at a table, take pictures, etc.
Prep talk with the students before a party or other social event is important. Acknowledging student fears and lack of cultural knowledge will lower inhibitions. Telling a funny story about your own “cultural failure” (e.g.: I still can’t learn how to use chopsticks properly) will help put everyone at ease. Going over the planned activities ahead of time may be a good idea for lower levels. -
- Most importantly, show support throughout - teacher attitude is often to determine student willingness to come.
POSTED BY Olga Galperin AT 11:50 PM
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