It's not so difficult to make a group class dynamic and engaging, with pair and group work available to you and enough bodies to have teams for games, you can quickly get your students interacting and having fun. One to one classes can be trickier to get right. Here are our tips for keeping things interesting when it's just you and your student:
1. Break the ice
Let's be honest, being alone with a stranger can be a bit awkward at times. To reduce tumbleweed moments, try to bond with them as quickly as possible. In the first class, find out what your student is interested in and plan your next class around it. You could ask them to tell you about their family, favourite hobby or life story. Personalising the next lesson will make the student feel comfortable with the added bonus of making them feel it was worth shelling out the big bucks for one to one classes!
2. Chin Wag
Some students are more reserved than others. If your student is especially shy, try drawing them out of their shell with human topics that everyone enjoys talking about. Good examples are: advice for problems, rumours, relationships or conspiracy theories. Everyone likes a good gossip!
3. Play around
Most students will appreciate playing games in one to one classes, as long as they feel like they're learning at the same time. Not every game works though, we have a one to one filter on the blog so you can choose a suitable activity.
ESL board games are a great option too. Why not try this one?
4. Get real
Realia can make classes more memorable and also more engaging. You can ask your student to bring something in or provide something yourself. Real objects can also be great for making English feel more practical. Why not teach directions with a map of the local zoo or time vocabulary with a schedule for the nearest train station? Advanced students might appreciate an article taken from a real newspaper or magazine, rather than yet another printout from the internet. Business English students can bring in promotional material for the company they work for.
The British Council has some great realia activity ideas here.
5. Boost their ego
A lot of students suffer from a lack of confidence. They might underestimate their level or focus too much on mistakes. Make sure you praise them regularly, focus on what they can do and what they have improved. Explain to them that getting things wrong is essential in order to learn. You'll find that they enjoy learning a whole lot more once they feel comfortable making mistakes.
For a fun board game to try with Business English students, try this one.
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