It’s almost inevitable that as an English teacher you’ll be teaching exams, whether it’s IELTS or Cambridge Exams. There is a strategy to successfully tacking exam classes, making it an enjoyable experience for you, and helping your students get the best marks possible.
Phoebe Gomes has taught in the UK and Poland, and shares some of her tips.
A taster is below, but for all the detail and explanation read the full article in the IH Journal here.
1.Get to know the layout of the exam
You need to help your students prepare, so you have to be knowledgeable about how many papers there are, how long they are, etc. They will be looking to you for advice and guidance, so research as much as you can.
2. Stress the importance of consolidation and revision
If only passing exams were like lifting the lid on your brain and pouring the knowledge in. Doing well needs consolidation and revision. You can plan this into your lesson structure, but students need to do their own revision as well.
3. The success of your students is not only your responsibility, it is also theirs
You are not responsible for the final exam marks, your students are. Yes, you play a very important part, but if one student fails that is not totally your fault. You can only do so much, and it is important for your students to also make the effort.
4. The internet is your best friend
The internet has a myriad resources which students can use to revise in their spare time. The ‘Flo Joe’ website is an excellent resource which allows students to learn new language independently. There is a Word Bank which changes every day, allowing students to not only learn new vocabulary, but also provides practice of Use of English tasks which they will encounter in the exam.
5. Students get stressed and it’s no reflection on you
Do you remember when you were taking school exams and you were feeling pressure slightly? That’s how your students will feel as the exam date creeps up on them. Show kindness and understanding towards your students; it is not a reflection on your teaching.
6. Be empathetic
Exams are designed to be challenging, and they require students to learn a lot. Be understanding with them when they forget something that you thought was nailed three weeks ago. None of us are perfect.
7. Lessons can still be engaging and interesting
Teaching exam classes does not mean boring lessons. Classroom discussions and consolidation games can have a major part in preparation, as well as helping the speaking exam!
8. It’s okay to feel out of your depth
You cannot teach your students every word or collocation in the English language, so please stop trying. You will do the best you can.
9. Your colleagues can help
Your fellow teachers in your staffroom are always there to help you – ask them for advice as much as you can.
10. You’ll get there in the end!
The one good thing about exam classes is they have a clear goal, something to aim for. You have that rewarding experience of assessing your students’ progress much more than you can in a general English class.
I would encourage anybody to teach a Cambridge exam class, and I hope those doubts have been addressed in this article. Good luck! If you would like to read the full article click here.