brain and heart: creating an optimal climate in the esl classroom
DESCRIPTION
What ensures optimal learning in the ESL classroom? Creation of a positive atmosphere seems obvious; however, typically, little time in academia is devoted to this topic. Tips and tricks for achieving a relaxed yet attentive atmosphere are demonstrated.TRANSCRIPT
![Page 1: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/1.jpg)
“I’ve learned that people will forgetwhat you say . . . what you did but
they will never forget how you made them feel.”
Maya Angelou
![Page 2: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/2.jpg)
Remember Your Favorite Teacher?
Dr. Sharla Jones
![Page 3: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/3.jpg)
If the Walls Had Ears . . .
![Page 4: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/4.jpg)
Before the First Class . . .What are students thinking?
Teacher: easy or strict?Male or female?
Young or old?Tests: afraid of failure!
Grades!
Strangers:New friends?
How to communicate? Speak my language?
Other cultures different—can I connect?
English Skills:Embarrassment! Don’t want to look foolish!
How good is my English vs. others?
![Page 5: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/5.jpg)
![Page 6: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/6.jpg)
Brain and Heart: How to Create an Optimal
Classroom Climate
Carol A. Costello
M.A.-TESOLDept. of Foreign Languages, ESL, and Philosophy
San Antonio [email protected]
![Page 7: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/7.jpg)
Optimal Classroom Climate: Overview
I. What’s NOT Taught
II. Manage Anxiety/ Elements of Rapport/Trust
III. The Big Picture / Your Thoughts
![Page 8: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/8.jpg)
Case Study: Melissa
• Serious about teaching• Likes being in the classroom,
but . . . • Well prepared and organized• Knows ESL teaching• Experiments with different
techniques• Stays on top of her courses• First class technology
resources
![Page 9: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/9.jpg)
Melissa’s Dark Side
• Feels uncomfortable in class
• Senses a chasm between herself and the students
• Students may not take another course from her
![Page 10: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/10.jpg)
What’s missing?
• Melissa is doing what she was taught in school
• Affective filter hypothesis: Krashen
![Page 11: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/11.jpg)
Affective Filter Hypothesis
Motivation
Self- confidence
Anxiety
L 2
![Page 12: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/12.jpg)
Blame the Student?
![Page 13: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/13.jpg)
What is NOT Taught
Foundation upon which effective teaching occurs
![Page 14: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/14.jpg)
Rapport / Trust
• The positive relationship between the people in the classroom
Subject Matter
![Page 15: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/15.jpg)
The Classroom is an Emotional Environment!
• Building Rapport – Day One– Throughout the semester
“Rapport Index”
Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Midterm Final
![Page 16: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/16.jpg)
Effect of Rapport / Trust
Cause: Connection between student and teacher
Effect: Students want to come to class
Students participate in activities willingly
Become interested in their education
![Page 17: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/17.jpg)
Lowman, 1995
“The ability to stimulate strong positive emotions separates the competent from the outstanding college teacher.”
![Page 18: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/18.jpg)
What Can You Do with a Room Full of Strangers?
• Make Them Feel Important!• Every Person is My Teacher
![Page 19: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/19.jpg)
Principles of Creating Rapport
Be Approachable
Connect
Care
![Page 20: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/20.jpg)
Be Approachable: Work the Audience
![Page 21: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/21.jpg)
Be Approachable, Be a PersonGo into the class. Teach from the back of the room
Be Approachable
![Page 22: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/22.jpg)
Be Approachable: Mingle with the Students
![Page 23: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/23.jpg)
Be Approachable: Stand More than Sit
![Page 24: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/24.jpg)
Connect: Show Your Personal Side
![Page 25: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/25.jpg)
Connect: Roll Call
• Names• Countries
![Page 26: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/26.jpg)
Take Photos with NamesConnect: Cell Phone and Names
![Page 27: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/27.jpg)
Connect: Use Passport or Similar Game
![Page 28: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/28.jpg)
Connect: Different Cultures
![Page 29: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/29.jpg)
Dr. Nel Noddings
“The student is infinitely more important than the subject matter.”
![Page 30: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/30.jpg)
Care: Tell Them “Why”
• Activities are not random• Everything has a purpose
![Page 31: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/31.jpg)
Care: Tell Them Why You Love Teaching
![Page 32: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/32.jpg)
Care: Show How Rules Help Them
• Police or teacher• Absences• Cell Phone Addiction• Speaking Native Language• Tardiness
![Page 33: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/33.jpg)
Care: Be Easy to Reach
“I don’t come here to go home!”
![Page 34: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/34.jpg)
Care: Praise Them!• In front of class• Use their name• Find “excuses”• Write on their tests
![Page 35: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/35.jpg)
Care: Vulnerability
• Refugees• Culture Shock• Poverty• Bullying• Immigration status
![Page 36: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/36.jpg)
Principles of Creating Rapport
Enthusiasm
Use your entire person to promote learning
You Tube!
Classroom as Theater
Check for Engagement!
![Page 37: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/37.jpg)
The Classroom as Theater
• Relaxation, smiling face• Voice• Space• It’s like a reality show!
![Page 38: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/38.jpg)
Show Enthusiasm
• Professor S. Ceci’s experiment/presentation style– Constant• Books• Tests• Grading
– Variable• Enthusiasm
– Speaking– Gestures
![Page 39: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/39.jpg)
Are the Students Engaged?
• On task• Show understanding • Using English• Look happy• Homework completed
![Page 40: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/40.jpg)
Show Respect and Understanding
• Ask permission to touch them or use their items
• Explain the emotion of grades• Give non-credit/extra credit tests occasionally
![Page 41: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/41.jpg)
Classroom RulesShow how rules make it easier to teach/learn• Be consistent!• Be positive!
Rules!!
![Page 42: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/42.jpg)
Final Thoughts Students have strong feelings about education
![Page 43: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/43.jpg)
Can I Be Replaced by YouTube?
![Page 44: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/44.jpg)
A Recruiting Station
• Show the students the benefits of ESL and academic education
• Engender a desire to learn
• Show them they can learn and do• Benefits for you, your colleagues, and the
institution!
![Page 45: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/45.jpg)
Conclusion
• You can do small things and make a big difference
• You get swift feedback on your actions• You can change your teaching & life!
![Page 46: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/46.jpg)
References• University of Alberta: Olga Bilash• http://www.educ.ualberta.ca/staff/olenka.bilash/best%20of%20bilash/buildingstudentrapport.html
• Buskist, W. and Saville, B. (2001). Rapport-Building: Creating Positive emotional contexts for enhancing teaching and Learning. APS Observer, 14,. Retrieved September 19, 2013 from www.psychologicalsciencs.org/teaching/tips/tips_0301.html
• University of Southern California: Center for Excellence in Teaching http://cet.usc.edu./resources/teaching_learning/docs/teaching_nuggets_docs/2.4_Motivating-your_students.pdf
• Affective Filter Hypothesis• http://www.sk.com.br/sk-krash.html
• Noggins, Nel A Morally Defensible Mission for Schools in the 21st Century(Reprinted from Clinchy, Evans, ed. Transforming Public Education: A New Course for America’s Future. (New York: Teachers College Press, 1997, pp. 27-37) Retrieved September 20, 2013 from
http://edweb.sdsu.edu/people/Dkitchen/TE652/noddings.htm
![Page 47: Brain and Heart: Creating an Optimal Climate in the ESL Classroom](https://reader035.vdocuments.mx/reader035/viewer/2022081603/558d4443d8b42a4d318b4625/html5/thumbnails/47.jpg)
Your Thoughts?