If you want to boost your skills in Managing the lesson, this is the perfect place to get started.
The free tools and resources below have been specially selected to help you:
- create a positive, safe and supportive learning environment (physical or online) with effective and appropriate use of language to explain the aims of the lesson and give clear instructions for each task or activity
- manage each stage of the lesson effectively in terms of pace, learner interaction and variety of activities according to the equipment and resources you have available, so that the lesson aims can be achieved
- manage the learners effectively in terms of discipline and expectations to ensure they are fully engaged and motivated throughout the lesson, responding to individual needs as they arise and being flexible to adapt the lesson plan when appropriate.
There is no set order for the resources below. Choose what to do according to the time you have and the topics that are most interesting for you.
- Video: English Teaching Talks – Introduction to classroom management (4 minutes)
In this series of six short videos, Nick Manthei gives us his top tips for classroom management to help create the best environment for your learners to be engaged in lessons and reach their potential. He includes practical ideas for managing the learners, the materials and the lesson time.
- Video: How to encourage and manage active involvement in group work (5 minutes)
In this video, Merium Aftab from Pakistan shares teachers' ideas about managing mixed-level classes and passive learners who do not contribute to group work. She makes some useful recommendations for avoiding discipline problems and ensuring maximum participation in the lesson.
- Article: Managing young learners (10 minutes)
In this article, Gail Ellis and Janet Leclere from the British Council YL centre in Paris reflect on the developmental differences between children and teenagers, sharing their observations and experiences while also providing ideas for classroom management and teaching strategies.
- Article: Monitoring (10 minutes)
In this article, Steve Darn from Izmir University of Economics in Turkey reflects on the importance of monitoring learners as an effective classroom management technique. He offers practical advice on when and how to monitor and provides a clear rationale to explain the benefits of doing it.
- Publication: Maximising learning in large classes (60 minutes)
This 'teacher-friendly' book was written by the tutors of a workshop that focused on teaching large classes in Ethiopia. Part 1 introduces some of the issues involved when teaching large classes, and Part 2 looks at specific activities that are useful in this type of learning environment.
We recommend you refer to Section 3 and Section 8 of the book for clear strategies and practical lesson ideas on managing large classes.
- Podcast: How can I teach online effectively? (30 minutes)
Part 1 of this podcast (series 1: episode 5) focuses on an innovative English teaching project in Uruguay that uses videoconferencing technology to reach 80,000 children in over 550 primary schools. In Part 2, digital learning specialist and ELT trainer Raquel Ribeiro shares her insights into how you can teach online more effectively, whatever your own experience and personal context.
- Podcast: How can I teach effectively in challenging contexts? (25 minutes)
In this podcast interview (series 1: episode 6), Mohammed Wais, a coordinator of the NGO 'Wave of Hope' at the Nea Kavala refugee camp in northern Greece, shares his experience of teaching English in this challenging context, providing ideas, initiatives and insights into how teachers can be as effective as possible.
- Webinar: The importance of e-safety in the classroom (60 minutes)
In this webinar, Maria Jose Galleno, English teacher and educational technologist, explores different aspects of online safety to consider as teachers, but also activities we can use in the classroom to raise awareness and make our learners safe and confident in an online environment.
As you watch the webinar, make notes: which of these ideas could you use with your classes, and why?
After watching the webinar, share your answer to the discussion question in the comments section below.
If you watch the recording and comment on it, we'll be happy to send you the link to an attendance certificate for the session.
- Lesson plans (30–60 minutes)
Draw a story (A1 level – primary)
A highly creative and motivating low-resource lesson using stories that can be adapted to different ages and levels. Young learners develop their listening and visual skills to create a picture book and retell the story.
Draw a story teaching materials
Getting teenagers to talk (B1 level – secondary)
Language consultant and teacher trainer Clare Lavery shares some tips and three discussion activity ideas, all aimed at getting teenagers to speak more in class.
Getting teenagers to talk activities
School rules (B1 level – secondary)
In this lesson, learners explore the topic of school rules, discuss why they are created and give their opinions about them. This not only allows them to practise using target language related to schools and rules but could also be used to establish some general rules for the class to avoid potential discipline issues.
- Workbook: Managing the lesson
If you want to develop further in Managing the lesson, this workbook will help you take your skills to the next level. It's designed to help you create a regular learning habit and apply what you've learned in the classroom. You'll find an overview of the theme and recommended learning materials. You'll also find support to reflect on and personalise your learning. You can use the workbook in different ways – do what works for you! We hope you find it beneficial.
Click here to access the workbook