Roles in the ESL/EFL Classroom

A successful teacher

Andrew Thompson is an instructor in an undergraduate program. He teaches three nights a week and looks forward to every moment he spends with his students.
He prepares carefully, thinking about the individuals in his class. Andrew's classes are always full and students do well and anticipate their class with Mr. Thompson. There is a long waiting list for Andrew's conversation course. What makes Andrew's class so popular? Why are students so successful in his class?
Andrew's supervisor asks these same questions and takes a special interest in his class. She observes regularly and makes the following conclusions:

Andrew is happy to be in class. He loves his students and has a good attitude. He has fun! Andrew listens to the students. He knows them. He knows each of their names and is truly concerned for them and their success. He calls on each student by name during every lesson. Andrew shares his personal experiences with his students and encourages students to do the same. Andrew is well prepared. He has a complete lesson plan that he shares with the students and he puts an agenda on the board every day. Students know what they are doing and where they are going. Everything that Andrew does in the class has a purpose. He makes each lesson meaningful and applicable to students' daily lives. Learners are encouraged to take risks with communication in and out of the classroom Andrew has certain expectations of the students. They understand why he gives them the work he does. Andrew challenges his students and helps them to understand that they are responsible for their own learning, which means that to the extent that they participate and do the work, they will find success. Students in Andrew's class learn that every form of participation will help them learn. The most important thing that students learn (according to Andrew) is how to learn. The most important thing they gain is confidence in themselves to perform. Andrew keeps current with new methodologies and approaches and doesn't restrict himself to one or another. He selects activities that take into consideration the learning objective, students' needs and learning styles, and his own teaching style. He uses a variety of activities in each lesson. Andrew carefully assesses student performance every moment of the class. He's a good observer and recognizes when he has to change direction. He is flexible.

Roles and responsibilities: a teacher checklist
The following checklist outlines the roles and responsibilities of a teacher. Which describe you?

THE SUCCESSFUL INSTRUCTOR I enjoy teaching. I know my students' names and evaluate their needs. My students know me and who I am beyond the classroom. I have objectives for every class and prepare a well-crafted lesson plan. I don't waste my time or my students' time in class with things that are not useful. I challenge my students and they know what I expect from them. I teach my students the value of participating and taking responsibility for their own learning. I teach within a context that is meaningful to the students and can be applied to their own lives. I am always learning new ways to teach and I apply what I learn to the classroom. I observe my students and assess their performance so I can make adjustments to my lesson plan when needed.

The role of the teacher in the classroom

Instructors themselves determine the teacher's role in the classroom. They set the tone and are the initial authority that students look up to.
The instructor's personal goals, attitudes, values, and dedication should be highly visible to students. Learners respond to sincerity with sincerity, integrity with integrity, organization with organization, and responsibility with responsibility. In turn, they respond to negative attributes often with those same negative characteristics.


Source: http://eltmedia.thomsonlearning.com