TEFL Tips #5: Proactively sequence group presentations

New semester; renewed insights; fresh panic. I teach a first-semester module called ‘English for International Management’ and I like to hit the ground running with a punchy first lesson culminating in student groups pitching improvement measures to a sceptical company boss. Bit chaotic but good energy by the end. TEFL Tip to be gleaned from this: lock down the sequencing and timing of group presentations at the earliest opportunity. Why? Because if you don’t, you’ll not only suffer the agonising ‘OK folks, who’s going to go first?’ situation, but every transition will be hampered by reluctance and task avoidance by each group waiting to take their turn. My preferred method is to write 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc on folded pieces of paper and have groups pick one while the task is being foregrounded. Once you’re about to begin, a quick moment to unwrap and reveal the order is enough to set up expectations and acclimatise groups with what is going to happen; you can nail this down even more tightly by writing down precise timings on the board if necessary. The important part: once it is time for groups to start presenting, the order is there. No need for negotiations or energy-sapping nagging on your part. Win.