Understanding, planning, keeping going

Lesson nine. You will help your students understand the course, plan their time, and keep going.

Start with why. Tell your students what the program gives them, and what they should be able to do at the end of each course.

The courses are in English, and you are their English teacher. Before a hard lesson, go through its terms and fixed phrases together.

For example, before Elements of Story: plot, setting, character, conflict, and phrases like "in the end".

Answer questions about the material when you can. When a question is outside your subject, write it down and put it in your report.

Help each student plan the week: a few fixed study times, and one lesson at a time.

Remind students what is due: courses, tests and assignments. A short reminder to the whole class works well.

Notice progress out loud. When a student finishes a lesson or improves a score, say so. Small wins keep students going.

Let students try on their own first, then help. The goal is a student who works independently, steadily, every week.

You are done when your students know why they study, have a weekly plan, and know they can ask you about English terms.