What are some tricks tutors use to get students who are bored or unmotivated to learn English?

Question

Some students tend to become bored and/or unmotivated while having to learn a new language, how can a tutor help them?

Answer 1

I would take my students on nature hikes.

I would take them to the movies (subtitled and later, not).

I would take them to interactive art exhibits: art is an international language.

I would do drawing and music, no matter the age of the student.

Language should be an immersive experience; learning English is no different.

Answer 2

Learning English can be very difficult and often time boring. To make my classes more interesting so my students do not get bored I like to use a lot of TPR (Total Physical Response). For example, if the word they learn is "run" I will ask them to show me how they run. This gets them up and moving.

Another way I keep students engaged is by using props. Props are my best friend. They help not only teach the topic better but interest the student a lot more. Often times this leads to them showing me their props as well. For example, to teach the word "in" I put a toy "in" a bag. Sometimes the student will then go run and get a box or a bag and put something in it as well. They love showing me their props.

The last way I keep my students engaged is by playing games. Depending on the age of my student I will play games like tic tac toe and rock paper scissors. For tic tac toe I use a clip board and painters tape and write words in each of the places the "X" and "O"s go. Then the student says a word and that's where I place their X or O.

Online learning is tough but through these three tips I find that my students are a lot more engaged and aren't as bored!! Good luck!!

Answer 3

TO GET STUDENTS WHO ARE BORED TO LEARN ENGLISH, A TUTOR MUST:

1. Build relationship
2. Make class fun
3. Accept different perspective

Answer 4

Wherever content is of choice, I invite the student to use English to write or tell me about their home country, family, etc. Then they can use English to write or speak almost anything. A poem, a cause and effect, an argument, etc. And I get to learn about places that are fascinating: the Ukraine, Croatia, Cameroon...

Answer 5

Being a foreign student in a country can be quite stressful. The reason why a student would feel disengaged could be due to the material or the tone the tutor is using during the lesson. This is true especially when referring to adults who are well respected professionals back in their country of origin, this type of student definitely does not want to be talked to in a condescending manner, nor use material that is meant for a younger audience. If a tutor is able to understands the specific needs of the students then they will guarantee obtaining full attention and dedication from them. Personally, I like to customize every lesson so that it pertains to the specific student, this guarantees the students will feel understood and will give the enthusiasm and commitment needed to move to the next level. Good luck!