Technique  for low-stress homework:    You choose!

Goal:   To lower students’ anxiety level by making them aware that they have choices;  this not only       reduces their stress, but also empowers them.

                If students are frequently tested by means of grammar quizzes, we give 12 test items and let them choose which 10 to complete. This option not only allows students to gain some control, but also gives useful evidence about their problem areas if the teacher pays attention to which items they decided to skip. Options can also be given for composition homework by providing students with alternative topics instead of assigning just one.

 

Technique to create the right atmosphere:   Music!

Goal:      To lower students’ anxiety level by creating a pleasant atmosphere in class.

Materials needed: Music recordings and music player

                Using background music can contribute to a good language learning atmosphere by counteracting teenagers’ vulnerability to stress and consequent aggressiveness. The objectives of using music are  “to slow down thought, to alleviate anxiety, to improve concentration, to find pleasure in learning, and to educate emotion” (Cury 2007, 141). A movie soundtrack with no lyrics or classical music that the students like may help reduce the level of chatter while students work, and it may also reduce stress in class. Soft instrumental music can be played while students carry out an activity, and the volume can be lowered when the task needs to be checked. It is so important to set the volume appropriately so that it neither distracts students nor disturbs nearby classrooms.

                                                                (adapted from English Teaching Forum, Vol. 50, Number 4, 2012)              

 

By: Gina R. Bagtas | T-III | Limay National High School