Teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) may mean that your class is composed of many different types of individuals, whether they are adult students or children. Students each have their own reasons for joining the class, or they may be required to be present if school officials say so. Personal motivations for learning English as well as individual personality types create some generalized types of students in a TEFL classroom.

Dominating
Students who think they know all of the answers in class tend to be dominating. They may be bored by the lesson material because it is too easy for them. They may always raise their hands to answer a question, tell other students the answers to questions or perhaps talk too much during group work. They may not give others the chance to process information and come up with answers on their own in class.

EFL teachers can provide this type of student extra work, or recognize his knowledge from time to time. Another option is to give him an extra challenge by extending lesson content and activities, having him learn material on his own. You could also show interest in his hobbies and personal interests, incorporating them into the lessons when possible. To keep these types of students engaged, you might try having different levels of activities from the same lesson available for students so that they each feel challenged.

Passive
Students who may feel overrun by a dominating student may not want to participate much in class or group work. They may also just not want to participate because of their shyness in a group setting, whether or not a dominating student is present. EFL teachers should gently encourage a passive student to answer a question in the group out loud, praising him for effort as well as for correct answers. Try to put the passive student in a group with a less dominating student when possible for group work. It also might help to tactfully discuss the student's passiveness before or after class one day privately. Another issue may be going on outside or inside the class that is contributing to the passive behavior. Teachers should remember that a passive student is not necessarily behind the other students just because he is quiet. It is quite possible he is very knowledgeable about English and soaking up your lessons with ease.

Uninterested
EFL teachers may also have students who are uninterested in learning English, no matter whether they are generally good at learning languages or not. If they are told by school authority figures that they have to take your English class, they may be resentful, not fully appreciating how English can benefit them in their lives. You can help the situation by incorporating as many real-life situations as possible into your classroom where English could be very helpful. One way is to have students do projects or role plays related to their everyday lives. For example, if your uninterested student is really interested in finance, you could do a role play where students interview for a high-paying international finance job with a multinational corporation. You should also try to get to know your student. Find out what his interests are. Then connect the student's interests with your lesson in a realistic way.

Interested
Students who want to learn English generally will be easier to teach simply because of the level of effort they are willing to put into learning the language. Some students will catch on more quickly than others, but with some extra tutoring and attention, the students slower at understanding a lesson have a good chance of catching on as well. Students who are interested in learning are more likely to answer questions about a lesson and are more likely generally to have a good attitude. They may be called upon from time to time to help out a student who is struggling, and they are likely to do so with a helpful smile. Assisting others also encourages them to feel confident in their abilities to speak and understand English.