When Your Class is frustrated, Here’s How Linguistics Can Save the Day!

A Teacher's Frustration : How a Simple Change Made All the Difference

A few days ago, a teacher reached out to me in frustration. She explained, "My class is completely farsauted—students are confused, disengaged, and I feel like I'm losing control. No matter what I try, the energy just isn’t there." She was particularly struggling with communication barriers. I could sense her exhaustion through the text.

I suggested something different. "Why don't you record your lecture and send it to me?" I said. "Let me listen to how you're delivering your lessons. Maybe we can pinpoint what's causing this disconnect."

She agreed, and I listened carefully to the recording. As I replayed her words, I started noticing the key issue: her choice of words, tone, and how she framed instructions were having a huge impact on how her students were responding.

Let me give you a few examples of what I heard in her lecture:

1. Before:

"Please make sure to submit your assignment by 4 PM today. If you fail to submit it on time, there will be a 20% deduction in your grade. No exceptions."

The teacher’s tone was firm, but it left no room for flexibility or dialogue. I could tell that her students were feeling anxious, and the non-native speakers, in particular, were struggling to fully grasp the message.

After:

"Please submit your assignment by 4 PM today. If you can’t meet the deadline, please let me know as soon as possible. I'll be happy to discuss your situation."

The revised instruction was clearer and more approachable. It invited communication rather than intimidating students into silence.

Impact:

The teacher later reported that more students began submitting their work on time, and the atmosphere in the class felt less tense.

2. Before:

"This chapter is quite important, so pay close attention to all the details. We’ll cover each point thoroughly, so don’t worry if you don’t get it at first."

This sentence, though meant to reassure, actually overwhelmed the students. The wording was too complex for those who weren’t fully confident in their English skills.

After:

"This chapter is important, so let’s go through the key points together. If you have any questions, please ask. We’ll take it slow and review as needed."

A much simpler and more collaborative approach, inviting students to engage without feeling left behind.

Impact:

The teacher noticed a marked increase in student engagement, with 25% more students actively participating in discussions.

3. Before:

"If you are not focused in class, you will not perform well on your exams. You must pay attention to what I say, or you will fail."

The teacher’s words here were strict and implied failure was imminent. For students already anxious about their English skills, this created a sense of dread.

After:

"Let’s focus on today’s lesson so you can do your best on the exam. If you’re having trouble, don’t hesitate to ask for help. I’m here to support you."

By changing her language to something more encouraging, she created an atmosphere of support and understanding.

Impact:

This shift helped the students feel more at ease, and class morale improved. The teacher reported a 40% increase in participation during lectures.

4. Before:

"I expect all of you to understand the material, so don’t ask me too many questions. I’ve already explained everything."

The teacher’s tone here suggested that questioning was not welcome, and students who might have been unsure were hesitant to ask for help.

After:

"I know this topic is a bit tricky. If you have any questions, feel free to ask, and I’ll help you understand it better."

The revision was much more inviting, creating a safer space for students to voice their concerns.

Impact:

Students felt more comfortable asking questions, leading to a 90% increase in queries, which meant they were more engaged and proactive in their learning.

The Power of Small Changes

After reviewing the changes with her, the teacher was amazed by how small adjustments in language and tone could lead to such positive outcomes. She said,

I didn’t realize how much my words were affecting the students. After just a few days of using these new strategies, the class feels completely different. They’re more engaged, and I feel like I’m finally getting through to them.

This experience was a powerful reminder that in education, communication is everything. A few well-chosen words can either alienate or invite, build barriers or foster connections. For teachers, it’s crucial to be mindful of the language we use because it can shape the learning experience in ways we often don't realize.