Is Something Missing?
September 2001
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Kids World
by Helene Jarmol Uchida
Teachers often question what they can do to better ensure the success of their students.
One of the most important factors in determining the success of our students and the quality
of our lessons is the overall environment of the classroom and school. The following are six
areas in which we can focus our efforts to fostering the success of our students.
Physical Safety
Is the room arranged in such a way that students will not suffer any bodily harm? For younger
students this means pointed table corners are not in a strategic position, kerosene heaters
(with kettles filled with water) are away from the class traffic flow. For older students it
means the room feels safe and comfortable.
Emotional Security
Does each student feel that you are not a threat to him/her, that you are supportive and
understanding, that you will not shame the student in front of others? (A good rule of thumb
is to praise in front of others, and when constructive criticism is necessary, to do it in
private.)
Sense of Identity
Does each student feel strongly about being in YOUR class or your school? Does the student
identify with you and what you stand for? Does he/she feel attached to you?
Sense of Affiliation
Does the student feel that he/she is a part of your group, proud to be your student, a
member of your school? Do family members also feel this way?
Sense of Confidence
Does the study of English in your class build confidence in the student? Do you find good
things in your students and let them know you recognize them? Do you use English as a
catalyst to trigger confidence?
Sense of Mission/Direction
Does the student see the bigger picture of studying English? Each student should feel that
studying English in your class with YOU can expand the scope of his/her experiences; in
essence, there is meaning and a message to your subject matter. And by being able to
understand English, he/she will be able to communicate with, understand and enjoy people
from all over the world.
Helene Jarmol Uchida
Helene Jarmol Uchida is a veteran teacher with teaching, curriculum development and teacher training experience in the U.S., Greece and Japan. She is the director of the Fukuoka-based Little America English Schools and lectures at Fukuoka Kyoiku Daigaku. She holds the LATEM seminars every year in cities throughout Japan and is also the author of 'The Challenge Book', an interactive English book and CD especially created for Japanese elementary school students.
See also our Interview with Helene Jarmol Uchida.
