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Intrinsic or extrinsic motivation is frequently an important factor in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classes. Many English Language Teaching Professionals need to follow a set curriculum and course book, while the learners want more dynamics, fun and games. That is those “learners” who even want to be in English class at all. So why not slip in one or more of these suggestions during the course of your class week? A quick break in the class routine should spice things up nicely as an aid to help liven things up and stimulate your unmotivated learners.

Here are five English classroom-proven ways you can be more dynamic and motivate your English as a foreign language learners.

1. Karaoke a song that the learners choose or bring in

Almost everyone loves music. Your musical preferences aside, use songs on occasion in class to perk up your learners by letting them suggest and select the songs you use. Okay, you can screen for objectionable content, lyrics or theme, but otherwise, let them run with it. I can guarantee they won’t pick the same songs that you would, but that’s the point.

2. Conduct the class (or part of it) in a location other than the classroom

An on-campus location such as a computer room, listening laboratory, library or audio-visual center, etc. can do wonders for motivating the learners. Besides availing yourselves of a variety of different activities such venues offer, it’ll break the boredom and routine of the normal class room setting.

3. Ask the Students to bring in a “Show and Tell” item to talk about in class

Yup. Learners still like this one – even adults. If you’d like to be “impromptu”, you can go around the room and ask for an “on hand” item from a pocket or purse. The idea is to use realia to stimulate questions, conversations and discussions. Hey, it always works for me. I‘m still occasionally astounded, by what my students carry around with them in pockets, bag or purse. I’ll just bet you wind up with a surprise or two, too.

4. Conduct a casual or informal conversation session with the students at an off-campus location

A change of venue can be a wonderful thing – for everybody involved. “My school won’t let me do that” you say? First, ask, the explain what you’re doing. Often, you’ll get your wish along with some surprising interesting suggestions from the administration. While you’re at it, ask the learners about some possibilities too.

5. Show a clip from a student-suggested movie or music video

“Okay, we’re going to use a movie in class. Can you recommend a good one?” When I pose this question to my learners, hands shoot up faster than Fourth of July fireworks. Suggestions bubble forth at rates that are alarming but indicative of the success of the upcoming activity. Let the learners bring in VHS cassettes, DVDs or other useable multi-media formats to help you make your selections. Both they – and you, will just love the outcome.

Summary

Keep trying to insert a greater dose of humor into your classes. Use comics, jokes and healthy doses of laughter with your learners. When your learners want more dynamics and more “fun and games” like mine usually do, drop in one or more of these quick dynamic activities into your class lessons and watch your learners attitudes light up.

If you have any short activities that your learners particularly like, drop me an e-mail. I’d love to hear about it.

Prof. Larry M. Lynch is an English language teaching and learning expert author and university professor in Cali, Colombia. For more information on entering into or advancing in the fascinating field of ELT send for his no-cost pdf Ebook, “If You Want to Teach English Abroad, Here’s What You Need to Know”, send an e-mail with "free ELT Ebook" in the subject line. For comments, questions, requests, to receive more information or to be added to his free TESOL articles and teaching materials mailing list, e-mail: lynchlarrym@gmail.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_M._Lynch