Increasing motivation and reducing anxiety 🡽

in the student-centered classroom

Christina Lorimer
English Language Coach, Teacher Trainer
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Welcome!

| www.stepstonelanguages.com | christina@stepstonelanguages.com 7/16/16

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Agenda

Introductions
Opening activity
Brain-based language teaching
What
Why
How

5 teaching tips to create community

Closing discussion

| www.stepstonelanguages.com | christina@stepstonelanguages.com 7/16/16

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About me:

M.A. TESOL, Certificate in Language Coaching

13 years in the field

Fulbright scholar in Brazil

Language learning & teaching philosophy

And you?
| www.stepstonelanguages.com | christina@stepstonelanguages.com 7/16/16
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Small group brainstorm & Share

1. What are the reasons why safe space and class community are
important in the ELT classroom?
How do they contribute to a ‘participatory culture’?

2. What are the reasons why it can be challenging to create this

culture in the ELT classroom? In your classroom?

3. How do you––as a student, teacher, or administrator––create

student community in the ELT classroom to promote a
participatory culture?
(Specific teacher behaviors and/or activity ideas)

| www.stepstonelanguages.com | christina@stepstonelanguages.com 7/16/16

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Brain-based language teaching: WHAT

Both students & teachers are aware of brain’s role in learning:

how it helps or hinders language learning
how neuroscience tools help learn faster and more effectively

Instruction includes:
overcoming psychological barriers
heavy focus on motivation
autonomous learning strategies
developing powerful learning mindsets
tools and tips to manage social situations

| www.stepstonelanguages.com | christina@stepstonelanguages.com 7/16/16

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Brain-based language teaching: WHAT

1. Reptilian: sex, eat, sleep

2. Limbic: (reflexive system)
Relationships/Belonging
Amygdala: EMOTION
Hippocampus: MEMORY

3. Prefrontal Cortex:
Thinking brain
Strategy/Logic
Make decisions
Attention/Focus
| www.stepstonelanguages.com | christina@stepstonelanguages.com 7/16/16
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Brain-based language teaching: WHY

empathy + ownership =
effective collaborations & stronger class community

| www.stepstonelanguages.com | christina@stepstonelanguages.com 7/16/16

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Brain-based language teaching: HOW

5 teaching tips to lessen limbic stress 🡽 motivation, participation

1. Start with Small Talk

2. Friends First
3. He Knows, She Knows
4. Name and Claim it
5. Thank your Group

| www.stepstonelanguages.com | christina@stepstonelanguages.com 7/16/16

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1. Start with Small Talk

✔ ease into learning

✔ gives brain time to adjust

✔ feel safer in groups

✔ high student autonomy

✔ consistent relationship building

✔ better understand target culture(s)

| www.stepstonelanguages.com | christina@stepstonelanguages.com 7/16/16

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1. Start with Small Talk

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1. Start with Small Talk

| www.stepstonelanguages.com | christina@stepstonelanguages.com 7/16/16

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2. Friends First

✔ integrates English with

identity

✔ intercultural understanding

✔ consistent relationship
building

✔ increased teamwork

✔ higher quality of work

| www.stepstonelanguages.com | christina@stepstonelanguages.com 7/16/16

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3. He Knows, She Knows

✔ increased independence on classmates

✔ decreased dependence on teacher

✔ autonomous learning

✔ student-lead investigation

✔ multiple intelligences

✔ draw on background knowledge

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4. Name and Claim it

✔ Voice the problems

✔ Clear the space

✔ Normalize fear and anxiety

✔ Personalized learning strategies

✔ Breaking barriers

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5. Thank your Group

✔ Positive reinforcement and increased team building

✔ Acknowledgement of student efforts and contributions

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Closing Discussion
1. How would you use these teaching tips in your own teaching
practice and context to contribute to a ‘participatory culture’?

2. What other tips or strategies do you have to share with the

group about how to increase motivation and reduce anxiety?

| www.stepstonelanguages.com | christina@stepstonelanguages.com 7/16/16

 THANK YOU FOR LISTENING! 🡽
ANY QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS?

Christina Lorimer
English Language Coach,
Teacher Trainer