Factors influencing success in teaching English in state primary schools

Teaching English in primary schools can be challenging, especially when students have different levels of language exposure. For example, some learners may struggle with basic vocabulary, making it harder to build more complex skills. However, I think that primary students are generally more curious and excited about learning, which makes lessons more dynamic.  From my experience, managing younger students is easier because they are more likely to follow instructions and respect the teacher compared to older students. Interactive games and activities work really well at this age to keep them engaged.

Yerkin пишет:

Hello! I get what you're saying! Teaching English to younger kids can be tough, especially when they’re still working on their reading skills in their own language. Starting with shorter texts can really help build their confidence. I also agree that lessons for younger students are often more fun and interactive.

Good point, Yerkin, about teaching L2 on the basis of L1 knowledge. I'd agree that learners would progress much better when they can read in their mother tongue. But we used to start teaching with oral introductory course, and students enjoyed learning with imitating various chunks or single words in various formats. But it would be good to know which technique or strategy helps primary school learners to start reading in English? Any thought or your experience? 

For me, the main factor for successful language acquisition is the amount of time allocated to study a particular topic. Primary school English teachers in public schools are strictly limited by the curriculum and do not have enough time to consolidate grammatical structures at the proper level. For this reason, many structures and functional language are not assimilated by children enough to use the language.

I agree with you. The lack of proper training can indeed affect teacher effectiveness in engaging students at any level, not just in primary school. In high school, especially in 11th grade, it can be even more challenging to spark interest, as students might be less motivated or interested in learning. Finding the right method to rise their attention and make the material relevant is crucial. Have you had any particular strategies that have worked in engaging older students, or is it something you’re still exploring?

Teaching English in primary schools certainly comes with its share of challenges, and I agree that large classes can be one of the most difficult factors to manage. Discipline issues, the need for individual attention, and maintaining engagement in a crowded classroom are significant hurdles. Here's my perspective on the challenges mentioned, and the one I find most pressing:Discipline and Behavior Management: Keeping young learners focused and well-behaved in a large group requires effective strategies and constant attention, which can be exhausting.
Lack of Individual Attention: In a large class, it’s nearly impossible to address every student’s unique needs or provide meaningful feedback.
Engagement and Participation: Ensuring all students are involved and active can be challenging, especially when students have varying levels of proficiency and interest.

The problem of discipline and engagement is not only present in primary school but also in secondary school. No matter how hard I try to engage students by setting clear criteria and descriptors or dividing them into small groups, some students listen while others don’t. Some just keep talking, even when I correct them or walk around the classroom to monitor and help.

To address these issues, I’ve considered several strategies:
1. Establishing Clear Rules Together: Involving students in setting classroom rules can make them feel responsible for following them. This way, they are more likely to respect the rules they helped create.
2. Using Reward Systems: Positive reinforcement, such as praise, points, or small rewards, can encourage good behavior and active participation. It’s important to recognize both individual and group efforts to foster a sense of teamwork.
3. Incorporating Interactive Activities: Engaging students in interactive activities, such as role-plays, debates, or games, can reduce boredom and keep them focused on the lesson. This helps minimize distractions and encourages active learning.
4. Rotating Leadership Roles: Giving students leadership roles, like group leader or timekeeper, can make them feel more involved and responsible for maintaining order in their groups.