What you will learn

Are you returning to school soon and dreading teaching teenagers? Is it your first time teaching this age group? Whatever your teaching circumstances are, this Master Class with Cristina Nicolaou is designed to help you understand teenagers better, which in turn will help you teach them more effectively. Knowing more about teenagers will help you become a better practitioner with this age group, as you will be equipped to address their unique developmental and generational needs and interests. This webinar will also help you create more engaging lessons through the task-based learning approach and project learning classes that will help foster autonomy in your learners and respond to their very specific needs.

About the trainer

Cristina Nicolaou – Experienced CELTA Trainer, University Lecturer & Examiner

Cristina Nicolaou, with 15 years in ELT, is a CELTA trainer, Cambridge examiner (IELTS, BEC, FCE), and a TESOL Master’s holder from the University of Manchester. She’s pursuing a Ph.D., focused on student-centered, enjoyable classrooms that enhance communication between learners and the world.

Workshop Summary

Introduction

Teaching teenagers can often feel like navigating a turbulent sea of emotions, opinions, and hormonal fluctuations. While this stage of life is filled with potential and energy, it can also present unique challenges for educators and parents alike. Understanding the intricacies of teenage behaviour and finding effective strategies to connect with and guide them is essential to fostering a positive learning environment. This masterclass explores the characteristics of teenagers, the challenges faced in teaching them, and practical strategies for successfully engaging this age group.

Understanding Teenagers

Adolescence is a time of significant physical, emotional, and social change. During this period, teenagers seek independence, grapple with their identities, and often test boundaries. Understanding these developmental milestones is crucial for anyone involved in their education or upbringing.

Teenagers are characterised by their desire for autonomy, which often manifests in questioning authority, forming strong opinions, and engaging in peer relationships. Their brains are still developing, particularly in areas related to impulse control and decision-making, leading to sometimes impulsive behaviours. Recognising these traits allows educators and parents to approach teenagers with empathy rather than frustration.

Challenges in Teaching Teenagers

Teaching teenagers presents unique challenges. One major hurdle is their fluctuating motivation levels. Teens may seem disinterested or disengaged, making it difficult to maintain their attention. Additionally, they are often dealing with peer pressure, academic stress, and personal issues that can affect their learning and behaviour in the classroom.

Furthermore, the prevalence of digital technology has transformed the way teenagers communicate and access information. While this can enhance learning, it also poses challenges such as distractions and the potential for cyberbullying. Therefore, understanding the digital landscape is essential for educators to effectively engage with students.

Strategies for Effective Teaching

To navigate the complexities of teaching teenagers successfully, educators can employ several strategies:

1. Build Relationships: Establishing a rapport with students is foundational. Show genuine interest in their lives, listen actively, and create an open and supportive environment. When students feel valued and understood, they are more likely to engage in the learning process.
2. Encourage Participation: Use interactive teaching methods to encourage active participation. Group discussions, debates, and hands-on activities can capture students’ attention and foster a sense of belonging. Incorporating their interests into lessons can also make learning more relevant and enjoyable.
3. Set Clear Expectations: Clearly outline behavioural and academic expectations from the beginning. Consistency in rules and consequences helps teenagers understand boundaries, promoting a respectful classroom atmosphere.
4. Provide Autonomy: Offer students choices in their learning. Allowing them to select topics for projects or methods for demonstrating their understanding fosters a sense of ownership and increases motivation.
5. Utilise Technology Wisely: Integrate technology in a way that enhances learning while minimising distractions. Incorporate digital tools for collaboration, research, and creativity. However, set clear guidelines to ensure responsible usage.
6. Teach Emotional Intelligence: Educators can play a significant role in helping teenagers develop emotional intelligence. Incorporating lessons on empathy, self-awareness, and communication skills can empower students to manage their emotions and relationships effectively.
7. Foster a Growth Mindset: Encourage a growth mindset by celebrating effort and resilience rather than just achievement. Teach students that failure is a part of the learning process and that persistence leads to improvement.
8. Involve Parents: Engage parents in their teenagers’ education. Regular communication and parent-teacher meetings can foster collaboration and provide parents with insights on how to support their children’s learning at home.
9. Adapt to Individual Needs: Recognise that each student is unique and may require different approaches to learning. Differentiating instruction and providing additional support for those who need it can help ensure all students succeed.

Conclusion

Teaching teenagers is undoubtedly a complex endeavour, but it is also one of the most rewarding experiences an educator can have. By understanding their developmental needs and employing effective strategies, educators can create a positive learning environment that nurtures growth, engagement, and resilience. With patience, empathy, and a willingness to adapt, teachers can not only save their sanity but also inspire the next generation to thrive academically and personally. In this dynamic journey, both educators and teenagers can learn from one another, forging connections that will last well beyond the classroom.

Reflective Questions

Have a quick think about the reflective questions below in order to get the most out of the workshop:

1. How much do you really know about teenagers as a student group?
2. Can coursebooks really engage teenagers or do we need a more targeted approach?

Recommended Further Reading

• Breiburd, S. (2023, February 23). Maximizing (Gen Z and Alpha) learning in the ELT class [Video file]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j8_W3B79n18
• Gallacher, L. (2023, September). Project work with teenagers. Teaching English. Retrieved April 2024, from https://www.teachingenglish.org.uk/professional-development/teachers/planning-lessons-and-courses/articles/project-work-teenagers
• Lindstromberg, S. (2004). Language activities for teenagers. Cambridge University Press.
• Puchta, H. (2021). 101 tips for teaching teenagers: Paperback. Klett Sprachen GmbH.
• Roland, C. (2018). Understanding teenagers in the ELT classroom: Practical ideas and advice for teaching teenage students in the English language classroom. Pavilion Publishing and Media Limited.
• Ruman, H. (n.d.). 10 project-based learning (PBL) examples. Smartlab Learning. Retrieved April 2024, from https://www.smartlablearning.com/project-based-learning-examples/