Nick Lidwell
Director of English for Education at British Council
6 years in Colombia
2005-7 Two years in China
Teacher trainer since 1990
Teacher since 1980
Taught and trained teachers in 21 countries In China
Observed teachers’ lessons
Organises teacher training programmes
Learning Chinese now!

Strengths

Detailed planning
 Pictures for meaning of words and a context
 English used in class
 Student speaking - repetition
 Pronunciation
 Classes managed well
 Children want to learn and join in
 Use of songs and chants
 Tasks from course book
 Some pair and group work

Areas to improve

More student freer speaking!
Less repeating!
More student thinking
Lessons very fast!：）
More creative activities!
More interesting activities!
More student-centred activities!
More age-appropriate activities!

Less focus on grammar for Young learners
Adapt the course book
Clearer lesson shape 
Clearer aims of activities

Overall

Teach the students, not the book!
For young learners generally grammar is less important
Lesson should have a main task
Prepare for main task
Children can do a lot if challenged and interested!