Teachers often face various issues with ESL lessons. However, these problems can be solved with proper planning and preparations. The issues commonly faced by ESL teachers can be broadly classified as:

* Problems while a planning a lesson, such as lack of new ideas or time.
* Problems with teaching materials, such as problems with textbooks.
* Problems in dealing with misbehaving, uncooperative or inattentive students.

ESL Lessons: Tips for Solving Some Common Issues

Here are some common issues associated with ESL lessons and tips to overcome them:

Lesson Planning Problems

Sometimes ESL teachers get very little time to prepare lessons and activities, such as in the case of unexpected substitutions. It is preferable to keep the files of ESL games and activities arranged according to the teaching points, for such emergencies. This enables you to re-use the activities again and again in different classes. Always keep the books with collections of interesting ESL activities with you. This can help you keep the students engaged while you prepare the rest of the lesson.

Reusing the activities is fine but it is also important to find fresh ideas. You may brainstorm with other teachers to come up with fresh ideas. Further, you can join the online teaching resources to communicate and exchange ideas with other teachers. Another source of new ideas is ESL trade journals.

Problems with Materials

Students usually find ESL textbooks boring. You can opt for interesting alternatives to impart ESL lessons, such as games and activities. Jigsaw reading is an interesting exercise, which can be used to cover dry topics. Another good option is conducting video based activities.

Further, some textbooks are too difficult, while others are very easy. It is preferable to create your own teaching material to overcome such issues.

Problems with Students

You have to understand the different learning styles of different students. Further, you might have to deal with students who are non-cooperative, disobedient, bored or latecomers. It is important to find out the actual reason behind such behavior. You may interview each student individually or conduct a general survey. Use the results to make your teaching styles more interesting. Also, try to motivate the students and praise them for good behavior. Encourage out-of-the-box thinking and welcome creative ideas.

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