International House Manchester

Lessons, Teaching & Learning

The Teaching and learning policyIn classrooms at International House Manchester , teachers will:

• a) Use the target language only, systematically building on what students already know.
• b) Relate presentation, examples, practice and classroom activities to suit a particularstudent’s needs to communicate more effectively in their own business / personal context.
• c) Present language in clear contexts and situations supported with real life and relevantexamples to avoid lengthy theoretical explanations of grammar. Where possible, theconcepts and meanings will be elicited from clients during the presentation stage, thusproviding students with opportunities to work out meanings and use the target languagethemselves.
• d) Give all students ample opportunities to practise recently presented language in structured,purposeful activities which reflect what they do in the workplace. Feedback on performancewill be provided at appropriate stages of the lesson in a tactful, unobtrusive manner toimprove accuracy while maintaining a supportive atmosphere conducive to learning.
• e) Give all students ample opportunities to experiment with new language in free practiceactivities that reflect what they do in the workplace, thus enabling them to test rules thatthey have learnt and manipulate the language to meet their individual needs andcircumstances.f) Vary the presentations, practice activities and pace within their lessons.
• g) Give students language skills training so that they are able to both consolidate classroomlearning more effectively and become more independent language learners.
• h) Give students the language and practice they need to improve their communication skillswith an emphasis on effectiveness, fluency and accuracy
• i) Set homework to consolidate teaching and learning that has taken place during eachlesson.
• j) Be sensitive to personalities, personal motivations, cultural differences, job requirements,exam goals and individual needs in planning, teaching and all dealings with clients.

At International House Manchester , students are expected to:

• a) Participate fully in excursions, work visits and social activities, thus maximising theopportunity to achieve their full potential during their stay.
• b) Work in pairs, groups, and as a class to practise recently taught language in both controlledand free practice activities.
• c) Use the target language only.
• d) Consolidate and build upon what has been taught in class through completing homeworktasks set.
• e) Be sensitive to other students’ personalities, cultural differences and individual needs in theclass.