How plan your e-lesson?

Practically, most of the lesson plans we, trained teachers prepare for English classes tend to follow this kind of “standard” lesson plan format:

1.Warm-up
2.Presentation
3.Controlled practice
4.Free practice
5.Feedback

Does it make a difference, if it is about e-learning or an instructor led training? Sure it does! On the one hand, in case of an e-learning class most of the presentation has been done by the student before the class. (Let's be optimistic!:-) This really means that the teacher is rather like a tutor. On the other hand some good old activities, which usually work pretty well in the traditional classroom, would perhaps fail in the virtual classroom!

Let me present a warmer that usually goes pretty well with pre-intermediate or intermediate groups, even if you want to get to know your students during one of the first classes (and you want them to get to know you!)


Ten words
Hot tips: Use the chatboard
Communication game for pre-intermediate /intermediate students

Put up five to ten words on your chatboard like the following:
- name
- family
- home
- job
- hobby
- pet
- English
Ask your students to write general questions about each word to elicit more information. E.g.: What is your name? Where does your family come from? What is your home like?
Students should put up questions to the chatboard. Then, not surprisingly, they should answer all questions first.
Three important rules:
1. Always use the chatboard and put down key notes.
2. Always have students work: they write questions, and they answer questions – they work most of the time!
3. Sum up – close all talking sessions with a final round, to recall all relevant information.