Maximizing+learning+opportunities



Maximizing learning opportunities, to put it quite simply, involves being able to change your lesson plans, rubrics, etc., when relevant issues unexpectedly come up. For example, if your students are very excited about the upcoming prom and cannot concentrate on things that are unrelated to prom, you could make a lesson in the target language that directly pertains to this subject (i.e. have students make an itinerary of their prom day, have students describe their prom date, have students describe their outfits, and many other variations on these and similar subtopics of prom). Maximizing learning opportunities can also involve the inclusion of a special talent of one particular student in your class. For example, if Sally is a native speaker, find ways to utilize her in more meaningful ways to your students.

There are many other things that teachers can do to maximize learning opportunities, and it starts with being flexible. Here is a power-point presentation that goes into more detail about maximizing learning opportunities: