In 1990, I wrote a book for trainee teachers who would be teaching teenagers on Holiday Courses in Britain. I used a different apprach to the 'list' quoted in the previous reply.
What do you think students need?
How do you feel about the statements below? Your reactions will help you to systematise your philosophy of foreign language teaching on holiday courses.
1 The students have come to learn about the theories of language, they don't want to learn how to use it.
2 They are more interested in the English of past centuries than present day language and life.
3 Beware of making your lessons varied and interesting, students are inspired by boredom and monotony.
4 When they first arrive they feel relaxed, happy and secure.
5 They are accustomed to learning English in small, informal classes with students of many different nationalities and a teacher who is a native speaker of English.
6 Students love listening to the teacher's personal opinions, they don't want to express their own.
7 They prefer teachers who are stern and severe, they hate smiles and jokes.
8 They enjoy sitting at their desks in the classroom for hours every day. They don't want to move around or go out and experience English at work in shops, post offices, railway stations, etc.
9 They find it easier to understand reading and listening texts about obscure topics rather than subjects in which they have some knowledge and experience.
10 Students come to classes hoping that the teacher will ridicule all their mistakes and tell them that they are lazy and stupid.
11 Teachers should not apply any system of discipline until anarchy breaks out. It is easy to impose discipline when it becomes necessary.
12 Teachers who speak in strong clear voices should try to become as incomprehensible as possible. It is the only way students will gain a real command of English.
13 Teachers can assume that all students know how to express politeness in English.
14 Language classes should never refer to social activities, sports, excursions, accommodation, meals, or any other aspect of the holiday course.
15 Never decorate your classroom. The students prefer the pristine beauty of bare notice boards.
16 Unplanned lessons are usually relaxed and effective.
17 Teachers should always stick to the text book and never introduce materials which may be more relevant to the students.
18 Teachers should present themselves to their classes as all-knowing beings who are incapable of error.
19 All students remember the days when the Beatles were together and 1968 was a turning point in their youth.
20 The purpose of language classes is to occupy the students while the sports specialists and other staff relax and plan their activities.
