The Power of Backwards Planning & Personalized Interests in ESL Teaching

As ESL teachers, we constantly seek ways to make our lessons engaging and effective.

One approach that has transformed my classroom is backwards planning combined with tapping into students' interests.

This method not only boosts their language skills but also keeps them excited about learning.

Here’s how you can do it too.

The Magic of Backwards Planning

What is Backwards Planning?

Backwards planning starts with the end in mind.

You define your learning goals first, then plan the lessons that will get your students there.

It ensures every activity and lesson has a clear purpose and direction.

Steps to Implement Backwards Planning:

?? Identify Learning Goals

Decide what language skills (speaking, reading, writing) you want your students to achieve.

For example, if the goal is to improve descriptive language, you might aim for students to be able to describe characters and settings in detail.

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?? Design Assessments

Plan how you will assess these skills.

This could be through presentations, written descriptions, or interactive discussions.?

Ensure the assessments are varied to cater to different learning styles.

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?? Plan Activities

Develop activities that build towards the assessments.

Each lesson should focus on a specific skill that contributes to the final goal.

For instance, in a unit on anime characters, the final assessment could be a presentation where students describe their favorite characters in detail.

Activities leading up to this might include:

• Reading passages about popular anime characters.
• Vocabulary exercises focused on descriptive adjectives and action verbs.
• Practice sessions where students describe characters to each other in pairs.

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Benefits of Backwards Planning

• Focused Learning

Students understand the purpose of each lesson and how it helps them achieve the final goal.

• Clear Expectations

Teachers and students are on the same page about what is expected.

• Improved Outcomes

With a clear roadmap, students are more likely to succeed.

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The Power of Personalized Interests

Why Focus on Interests?

Students are more motivated and engaged when lessons align with their interests.

By integrating what they love into your teaching, you create a dynamic and enthusiastic learning environment.

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Steps to Learn About Student Interests

?? Surveys and Discussions

Start the school year with a survey or discussion to learn about your students' hobbies and passions.

Keep this information handy to tailor your lessons.

?? Observation

Pay attention to what excites your students during class.

Note their reactions to different topics and activities.

?? Incorporate Interests

Use their interests as a foundation for your lessons.

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For example, if your students love anime and soccer, use these themes to teach language skills.

Example Lesson: Anime and Soccer

Objective

Improve vocabulary and descriptive language skills.

MaterialsPassages about anime characters, drawing supplies, vocabulary lists.

Activities:

1. Reading Session

Students read a passage about popular anime characters.

The passage includes descriptions of their skills, appearances, and personalities.

2. Discussion

Students discuss the characters in pairs, using new vocabulary to describe their abilities and traits.

3. Drawing and Writing Activity

Students draw their own anime characters, incorporating elements from the discussion.

They then write descriptions of their characters, focusing on using the new vocabulary.

4. Presentation

Each student presents their character to the class, describing their appearance, skills, and personality.

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Benefits:

• Increased Engagement

Students are excited to learn because the lessons are about topics they love.

• Enhanced Language Skills

By discussing and describing familiar subjects, students practice and improve their language skills in a meaningful context.

• Creative Expression

Activities like drawing and presenting allow students to express themselves creatively while practicing English.

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Combining backwards planning with personalized interests can transform your ESL classroom.

By setting clear goals and making lessons relevant to your students, you create a motivating and effective learning environment.

Your students will not only improve their language skills but also develop a love for learning that goes beyond the classroom.

Give it a try, and watch your students thrive! ??