giving instructions

• when explaining things, go step by step. take the time.
• plan the instructions carefully.
• lead the students, don't leave them with too many options.
• when you have worksheets, give the instructions first and them hand the worksheets. if they need to see what's on the worksheet, explain a first step, hand the worksheets and them explain the rest.
• check the understanding with questions, do not ask "do you understand? got it?".
  • are you going to read the text? are you going to work in pairs? what page is it? - instructions checking questions.
• doing an example together is good practice/instruction and asking the students 'why is this the correct option?' also reinforces the exercise.
• for beginner's level: give more examples, ask for repetitions, give some time for students to think.
• move around is a good things to do.
• use L1, if needed. but don't translate everything you say.
• heads up and heads down moments: working together and working individually. try to vary.

⇢ book: jeremy harmer - how to teach english