Language of instruction in classroom

This involves organizing spoken language so that information is presented to students in a coherent and accessible way, such as explaining a grammar point, a vocabulary item or a concept.

Here are some tips for you to present ideas in classroom:

  • Take a multisensory approach – use real experiences, physical activity and manipulables.
  • Provide multiple visual and concrete examples of information. Use infographics, real objects, images, video, and interactives on devices.
  • Support text with visuals and audio. Turn on the closed captions on videos.
  • Present digital rather than printed text so that students can personalise the ways they access it.
  • Use blogs, wikis and online tools such as Moodle to bring together different versions of content in one place, for example, a YouTube video, a graphic and some text.

This includes giving instructions when conducting activities, giving homework, and managing the classroom. There are several steps for you to take to ensure that your students understand instructions and are able to complete assignments with ease.

  1. Use clear and precise language

Short, completed sentences and precise, concrete terms can allow students to understand the expectations more easily. Nouns are preferred to pronouns, while vague terms such as “some”, “a few” and “a couple” should be avoided. Explanation of marking rubrics can also make them clearer and easier to handle the assignments.

  1. Repeat your directions

While you assume all students will listen to you when you are giving directions on tasks, this is often not really the case in a classroom. Students may not be paying attention so they can partially grasp the instructions or even miss the instructions at all. A quick look around the room, some redirection, and some repetition can ensure that every student is focused and understands what they need to do.

  1. Explain the purpose of the task

When you explain to students why they're being asked to complete an assignment, they're more able to appreciate the experience. Connecting the task to existing student knowledge, previous lessons, or covered material will help students feel more confident about tackling the task.

  1. Use an appropriate tone

It's not just what you say; it's also how you say it. Don't yell, mumble, or castigate. Ensure the pace of information is appropriate for grade level and ability. Don't rush or move too slowly. Pause frequently to give students time to digest the information.

  1. Describe the specifics

If the assignment requires specific materials or a particular format, be sure to let students know. In my class, for example, every question must be answered in a complete sentence, and one-sentence responses are usually not sufficient to answer a question. Creating and clearly explaining such specifics sets your students up for success.

  1. Provide examples

Providing students with examples of outstanding work from previous years is a way to ensure them clearly understand your expectations. Doing so can also help you build better relationships with students, because they will feel supported in reaching the goals.

  1. Break tasks into management chunks

Breaking assignments into manageable tasks can help students feel more confident in their work. Giving clear instructions to students can ensure that they fully comprehend what they need to do to achieve in your classroom. It will ease students' nerves, assuage their insecurities, and help them confirm your expectations so that they can be happy and successful in school.

This involves indicating stages of a lesson by using appropriate language signals. Various signposting and signalling expressions, such as “The lesson will begin by …”, “Now we’ll move on to …” and “After that I’ll …”, can help you to take students to different stages of a lesson. It is also recommended that in the beginning of the lesson, you may introduce topics and activities that are going to be covered in the lesson, so that students can follow your plan easily.

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