Instruction

by **BILLAL** Wed Oct 05, 2011 6:08 pm

GIVING CLEAR INSTRUCTIONS

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In
order for your classroom activities to run smoothly, it is crucial that all your students understand exactly what you want them to do before you start. Although this is true of all students, with
Second Language Learners it is especially important and doubly challenging.

Your
instructions must therefore be clear,
concise and unambiguous.

To
achieve this:

1. Plan what you are going to say and, ideally, write
it down in advance so that you are as clear as possible.

2. Make sure your students are paying attention to you
before you start

giving your instructions.

3. Use simple direct language, such as imperatives. Avoid using idioms, colloquialisms,
conditionals, modal constructions, and over politeness.

4. Speak slowly and clearly and pause between phrases
or sentences.

5. Be as brief as possible.

6. Show your students what you mean as well as tell
them. Model the activity as you give the
instructions.

7. Maintain eye contact, watch students for signs of
incomprehension. Teach your students to
nod in comprehension!

8. Only give the instructions necessary for the next
stage of the activity. If an activity has several stages, give only the
instructions needed for the next stage.

9. Check that students understand the instructions.

Ask
them simple questions to make sure.

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