Preparing to teach at HKD

[Admin]

lukebowen's question on preparing to teach at HuangKeDa::

Any advice on what preparations I should make over the next few weeks?

[anna]

Try planning your introductory lesson. Students love meeting new foreign teachers and will be keen to get to know you, and it's a good chance for you to establish an active classroom and learn names early on. I was terrified about my first class, but in the end it went fine! The only problem was that I'd allowed too much time for things and ran out at the end. So I guess the other thing I'd prepare would be some games you can use to fill up time as you're not allowed to let students out early. There are loads on the internet which you could adapt...

Also, if you like reading, I'd recommend buying some books to take as it can be difficult to find English language stuff in China.

[edmason]

Definitely plan your first class based on getting to know each other. Insist on students choosing an English name - don't be surprised that many won't have chosen an English name before their first English class - and work in some memory games, introducing each other.

They'll also be keen to learn about your hometown, your family, traditions etc., so planning ahead for those might be a good idea.

Try to keep in mind that some students are more keen to learn about England/USA/Australia etc. than to learn English; disguising language practice as discussion about your home country goes down well.

[craig]

The advice here is very good, thanks!