Students in mono-cultural classes in their home country will bring a lot of their own cultural expectations into class. Finally, it can be a good ice-breaker if students solve their puzzles in teams in their first lesson together. In addition, it makes for an interesting cultural lesson if the students translate riddles from their own countries. Or set the class a riddle to solve, which is appropriate at the intermediate level since riddles inherently require players to look at ordinary things from a different point of view. Then, run riddle contests where students try to stump each other. When you start teaching multi-cultural classes, start with ‘get to know you’ games, perhaps finding out about special days and traditions in each culture. Others are auditory learners.īefore including a lot of English language games, it is helpful to consider the cultural background of the students you are working with and the cultural setting of your class. Some students are kinaesthetic learners, who take in information best through touch and physical activity. The most obvious example of this would be Charades, but Simon Says and Hand Sign Stories also accomplish this. Games provide a way of linking language and activity so that people with different learning styles can learn effectively in your class. But, of course, the girls want to show off as well, and pretty soon, you can’t keep them quiet! (Gender stereo-types may be relevant in some cultures, if not in the UK.) Suddenly, it’s all about winning, so they don’t mind speaking in English. However, when games come out, their attitude can transform. It is not unusual to have teenage boys remain silent all through class because they feel too cool for school. Word puzzles, such as Hangman and Rivet, and quiz games like Jeopardy, mix language skills with strategic thinking in fun ways for everyone. Most language games combine verbal and analytical elements. For example, to find out ‘who did it’ or bargain with other groups for items they need to complete their game-objective. Students who worry about tests can improve their fluency via games because the focus is on playing the game, not the score. Role-play games, re-enactments, and ‘murder mysteries’ where students have to improvise and play parts outside their everyday life are good examples of this. Games provide a safe, fun outlet for competitive urges and help keep the class from becoming too ‘exam-centered.’ They also create a changeable situation that encourages flexible thinking in all students. How does this impact your English language teaching? I’m not saying ‘don’t do it ’ I’m just saying ‘be sensitive to possible friction.’ Making a woman a team leader in a game might vex a macho male from a nation where women are mothers and servants, not leaders. In some cultures, women may be shy to speak if men are present. For some cultures, gender is still an essential factor to consider. All people learn differently, and there are many factors involved as to why there is so much variation. Without entering into an LGTB debate, gender can affect behaviour in some cultures. I see I understand, and I do I remember.” As a Chinese proverb says, “I hear I forget. Adults can learn just as much as children through games in English language teaching. The positive emotions make them relax and feel more confident. Games can help them forget that they are learning and instead enjoy the experience while enhancing their knowledge. Classes for adults that contain games are refreshing and allow ample opportunity to communicate.Īccording to research, many adults feel anxious when learning a foreign or second language. English language games can help you overcome numerous roadblocks that stand between your students and their mastery of English.Īs a teacher who might want to use language games in the classroom, the main roadblock you may face is your hesitance about using this approach with adult learners. However, there is no difference between young and adult learners because we all like to have fun. You may not feel that playing games will help your teaching or their learning, but in fact, you couldn’t be more wrong. Yet, you are there to teach a subject that may affect your students’ careers, hopes for the future, and even their ability to survive in a new country. How to blast through roadblocks to using games with adults: Walking into a classroom full of adult English language learners can be far more intimidating than facing a class of children.
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