Publication Date

2000

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

First Advisor

Jack Millet

Abstract

This paper argues that success in the EFL classroom depends less on techniques and materials, and more on the relationships between the class members and the educational climate. It asserts that, because the creation of a sense of community facilitates learning in different ways, the most important talk of a teacher is to foster a sense of community between students in the language classroom as well s to challenge them with linguistic tasks. A classroom community can increase student motivation and self-esteem. It can reduce extreme anxiety and maximize student-student interaction in the EFL classroom. It can also facilitate co-operation in class and make teaching and learning a joyful experience for both teacher and learner.

Secondly, this paper examines the key factors in developing community and suggests a variety of activities that teachers can use to encourage community formation in their classrooms. These key factors are: addressing the learning styles of all students in the class, using doable personalized activities, encouraging a sense of belonging to the group, building empathy, maintaining fluidity, building trust and confidence, encouraging positive feelings, fostering learning to listen, and reflecting.

Disciplines

Curriculum and Instruction | First and Second Language Acquisition | Interpersonal and Small Group Communication

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