Tefl: First Lesson in China - 80 Students! (Beginning of Lesson) 

A video like this is incredibly useful for me. It's never helpful to just hear "5 tips for ____ in the classroom." I NEED to SEE it done in real-life examples/situations and I appreciated this!

@theTRUTHBTOLD2 Lol, there is nothing wrong with me thankyou. Every single thing in this 'scripted' lesson was been done for a reason. These students had never met nor heard a native English speaker before and I had to speak that slowly to start with for them to get used to hearing me speak and to give them time to recognise key words and phrases that I planned to use over again in later lessons. I think you forget that this is only a FIRST lesson. As time goes on in later lessons I speed up and speak more naturally. Also, again, this being a first and introductory lesson I wouldn't expect my students to do 60-70% of the speaking like I would in later lessons. Furthermore, this video does not show the whole lesson and later on the students do do less listening and more talking.

I'm amazed at how you took control of a (huge) class like that! At first the students didn't really know what to do or how to respond but you immediately brought their enthusiasm out. Even I felt like I was one of the students. Good job! Thanks for sharing!

I'm doing a TEFL course at the moment, and absolutely bricking it and doubting this idea will play out as I feel a bit thick trying to remember so much. This is really interesting and thank you for posting it. You do a great job... 80 students... holy moly. How were your nerves?! :O

I'm taking a TEFL course, and they told us to watch TEFL teaching videos on youtube. I even felt part of the lesson. Great job!

Very impressed Sarannah, I'm Irish and wanted to tefl in Asia. I really like your optimism, you have a lovely way about you, all the best for the future! :)

I've taught a couple years in China now ... you're an awesome teacher! I've been teaching grade 3 and 4 ... but after watching this I wish I could teach older students. Great video!

Fantastic work. It really can be quite a challenge with just 30 children but 80! you kept great rhythm in the class, spoke clearly and loud enough for all to hear, and did some great concept checking which many teachers miss. Constructive criticism. I notice that as you write on the board you stop talking. Take this time to perhaps talk more about the topic, or even to spell aloud what you are writing. the added benefit of the latter is not only a clearer idea of pronunciation, but also on spelling, which as you later demonstrated, can lead nicely into asking your students to spell parts of sentences or whole words that were elicited. It really is great to see people teach in this way. You have shown that you not only want to teach, but that you know how to teach. Keep up the great work

I think you are teaching in the countryside, or some place far from city. That's why they need to study such long time, to strive for the highest possible grades and go to university, then find a good job in the city. This may be the only way for them to change their fate. As an English teacher in Beijing, I admire what you have done for these children. Most importantly, you class makes them laugh like kids, thank you! This country needs more laughter like that.

This is the best lesson presentation I've ever seen on RU-vid. 🙏🏾

I spent a year teaching chemistry in China (in English) and your video has many elements that resonate with me. Being a strong, prepared instructor who will open up about your person and admit mistakes goes MILES. Your speaking speed is good. As you say, this was your first interaction with this class and you must assess their proficiency and rate of comprehension. I hope you had as significant a time in your life as I had in mine. Your efforts may seem like those of a single individual, but as you said, you might be the ONLY non-Chinese person these students know and speak with. Memories and positive thoughts of you and your countrymen will live in their minds for a lifetime. Well done.

Really impressive. Doing my tefl now, but it's only online, great to see someone put it into practice so well

You are a great teacher!

You're a great teacher. Your enthusiasm is great and your lesson plan is very accessible. Way to captivate your audience! A+

Great use of hand gestures while you are teaching.

Thanks for the video, this gave me a good idea of what it's like to teach English in China.

I teach in China and studied the TEFL. One thing they didn't teach me. The ability to draw is VERY useful.

holy shit....5:30am start and 10pm end? what is this?!

The beginning of the lesson reminded me of the scene in The King and I where Anna gave the kids a little lesson. It's the scene with the song Getting to Know You.

Impressive. I'd be somewhat terrified to be up there talking to a large class! You make it look fun and easy. Good job.

Hey, Im teaching in Thailand now and I wanted to say that your 2 videos from China helped me prepare a lot for my first day. Ive never really had to perform before so I was lacking in a certain skill set. Thank you for sharing your experience!

I am a Chinese,your class is very Interesting，You are very patient,haha

This recalls my memory of those tough English study years when I was a middle school student in China... Thank you for your work!

Those students are so lucky to have you as a teacher.

I think she's a wonderful teacher! If I was to learn Chinese and had someone with this enthusiasm teaching me i'd learn much faster I imagine! Also, I can't believe how attentive the students are, possibly because their long day of 5:30am - 11pm (what in the name of the baby jesus tap dancing christ by the way!) that this is their fun class or something along those lines. Never the less coming from an Irish education system where the teachers hate their existence and students this is actually really nice to see they're a lucky bunch of people as is the teacher :)

I think your lesson is excellent. You are a perfect teacher

Very Inspirational, thank you for positing Sarannah! Most defiantly food for thought for the future, looking at a big trip next year :)

Inspiring. Im doing a TEFL course right now, super excited but also anxious to be doing this but seeing how you held this class together so joyfully made me feel warm

Thankyou so much for the positive comment :-) It was pretty full on at the school, I was in the office at 8am and would have 2-4 classes a day but in-between classes and after school was what made it a bit harder. The teachers and students were so enthusiastic that you really didnt get to stop as such until 9pm somedays as you had people wanting to talk to you and other bits and pieces to attend as well as lesson plans etc. But, I did live at the school so I couldn't really get away! :-)

That's crazy, 5.30 am-10 pm...... In Thailand, they start about the same time as the west. Class sizes vary, but 80? I feel for ya..

5:30am-10pm? What the hell?! That's crazy. Is that normal in China... those poor children!

Amazing how the students are so attentive! Good class...

Wow I think you are a wonderful teacher…and the kids seem to enjoy these methods of learning. Curious if you are still doing this! TFS!

Great style of teaching. I am just a the beginning stage of finding the right TEFL course to do. Very interested in teaching in China or Japan. You encouraged me! Thanks a mil

Sarannah, I've been doing TESOL for about 8 years and I found a lot of things very useful about this video. I would be curious to see where this lesson went. I remember being in classrooms of similar size and how brutal it could be at times. I think that was a great introduction!

Very interesting, thank you! As this was your first lesson ever... this is super.

As someone wanting to teach overseas, your videos are really nice to watch! :)

Thanks for sharing this video I'll be in China next Month and I'll be working as an English teacher, I do like how you take your time and speak slowly for them to understand, Good job.

Looking into teaching english here in Canada, thanks for uploading this. You did a very great job by the way!

Thanks for uploading this. I just qualified as a tefl teacher and my course was online so apart from my own classroom experience as a learner I don't have any so this has been a great video to show me what it's like. 5.30-10pm poor guys!

it's great how calm and how relaxed you are when you talk I will take a note from your book, as I'm thinking of doing this also thanks, keep it up.

She did wonderful!The presentation went beautifully.I am doing a TEFL course and they said to look up videos of teachers teaching English and see if I can reflect on it and try and give advice to them to become a better teacher,so I think she did wonderfully with how she used CCQs and was so positive, interesting, and funny.However, the only thing I can think of, is I think she should have asked them if they know the word "Hobbies", but she did seem as though she was trying to explain the word, but then the video got cut off, so other than that, I think the lesson went very well.

I would love to do this as a career later in life. I'm currently in America, but I would love to teach abroad in Europe, most likely Germany :) This video was so helpful, and I really hope that I get to live my dream by helping people like you do! So inspirational!

I am not sure what everyone else is saying, but I think you did really good. I watched this whole video out of pure happiness to see you have the opportunity to teach others and I think the way you instructed was great and easy to catch on to. Also, really liked your expressions! You did great :) just like your students!

She is a great teacher. She knows Chinese students suck at spoken English. You see the deck of books on the students' desk. She is been trying to be very clear to the students.

you scared me Sarannah. I am going to China for the first time and couldn't believe they started that early and finished so late. It must be daunting to have 80 students when first starting off. Thank you for the video, lets me know what to expect - sort of.

This didn't really capture my attention until the camera turned in the opposite direction and showed all of their faces. Suddenly, I felt very touched by what was happening. Congratulations to you for the work you're doing. I would imagine that it's not easy, but certainly rewarding.

I was thinking of going to South Korea too - I have a friend teaching out there atm. But I can totally see where your brother is coming from - I think if anything, it's colder in S.Korea than what I experienced in Beijing and that was almost unbearably cold! Thanks for your comment :-)

Great knowledge of handling the students, students seem much cooperative with u. That might be the your teaching capacity. Really acknowledging task done. Good job Laoshi!

Loved watching your Class! You are really good!

You are very brave. Leaving your home to go and teach in such a huge class so far away from home. I got a job as an english teacher just a few km away from home and I had a lot of anxiety. But after watching this video I got the motivation I needed to take the job. Thanks!

Amazing how they all engage so much.

Hi Sarannah, I'm really happy to see that you're teaching in my home country! I am currently study in your hometown--England. During my study in here I gained so many teaching skills and also broadened my views. TESOL course opened a new amazing door for me. I don't you if you feel the same way that all the useful teaching methods and skills we learned can not apply in the class due to the massive number of students, for example, task based methods, as you know the time of class is limited, only 45mins, how can you let everyone join the activity and practice? I wish my country could notice this :D

A great video to show the realities of teaching large classes in China.

In the next few years I'm staring a degree and then getting a tefl to teach English. love ur charisma who's my french teacher was as charismatic as you

Absolutely wonderful! You truly have a talent for this!

15 hour school days? Crikey.!

hi, i loved the way you talk and teach. you are amazing!

80 students?! Bless you. I'll have about 42 or so. Great first lesson!

Three bits of advice for prospective EFL teachers: Avoid on-line courses like the plague. Many countries won't give you a visa if you have one, and many companies won't consider you. Ditto for TESOL certs that are under 120 hours. (I’d for 140 just to be safe.) Lastly, memorize Mark's English Grammar Shortcuts. It will help you ace your interview and fix a lot of classroom problems.

80 students??? WOW!, good job, I am a teacher tobe and this class is awesome, one day I will teach to 80 students, I hope, good job :D

Sarah, great job! I've taught English in several countries. Those who find fault with this probably haven't had the experience. Teaching English as a Foreign Language is different than teaching English as a Second Language and ....every country is different.

My brother did a TEFL course to teach English in South Korea, stuck at the job for 5 months and quit because it was cold, went on a holiday to Malaysia for 4 months instead. Well, that wasn't the only reason. Have fun!

I know, that have a real hard time of it! They actually got up at 5:30am and went to sleep at 10pm but the majority of that time - from 6am till about 9:30pm apart from lunch, was in lessons. They don't get much time to be kids over there, it was quite sad to see.

5:30 am to 10pm?? Bloody hell!

Love this! initially I though why are you speaking so slowly, then I realised my students know my accent and can understand me when I speak fast.

This is amazing to watch... the beginning. This was useful to get an idea of what its like. Currently I am finishing off my TEFL/TESOL course and will start teaching pretty soon!

You're funny and charismatic! Great lesson and video!

You really inspire me to do a better job. I am currently teaching English in Macau. It would definitely overwhelm me if I have to teach a class this big without even a projector and a computer. You seem very experienced.

This was a reasonably good lesson I thought. Students behaved very well because they are being filmed on video and therefore acted very good and well behaved. But having worked in China Middle Schools for 7 years and observed many other Western Teachers. Most students don't answer back to questions - they are too shy - and rather keep quiet than get laughed at. So that idea goes out the window! No matter how good a teacher you are. That happens even with Chinese Teachers teaching English. Lessons must be well prepared in advance with lots of visuals, images, powerpoints handouts, and a simple quiz to follow at the end to confirm what they have learned. You also have to be careful, if you don't make your lessons fun, interesting and relevant to their Course learning books, you will lose the students attention quickly and the class will get noisy and out of control! Most students only want to learn what's in the Coursebook to pass their English tests. They are mostly not interested to learn anything else that they don't need to learn - what is not in the book! To them, it is wasted time. Because they are constantly under immense pressure to learn so much from their other more important main subjects. New teachers, be aware also, too much talking means they cannot understand you. Imagine yourself going into a Chinese learning class and the teacher talks a lot of Chinese with no supporting visuals - you can't understand and follow them - RIGHT! So you switch off immediately as it's too hard. Good luck everyone.

This was great! I loved when they laughed that means they understood as well as enjoyed the lesson.

I love this lesson! You are so dedicated and energetic Also, normally in a language classoom, there are not so many students like this but I was so surprised because there r 82 students in this class and the way you lead and guide students was great!

To agree on teaching 80 guys - what a profanation!

Hi, there! I did enjoy your class.. I watched it all.. I have taught in China for 3 years and I advise you to let students talk, otherwise you will be so exhausted and less energetic. Any tips, if I can help, I 'll definitely do.

Hello there, that was a great lesson, most definitely. This is their second language, so I do agree that you have to speak slowly for more effective communication. That class had 80 students so that is a different ballgame to 4 or 5 students. Wonderful job.

I was in marching band so we woke up pretty damn early. still i have no desire to wake up that early ever again.

KICKASS! HARDCORE! well done. hope you're still alive. Peace and love!

Fabulous job on teaching english... i am currently staying in China and it takes a lot of time to make a conversation happen here. But seriously their school is from 5:30 am to 10:00 pm ? that is really long.

You are very great teacher and i know 80 students is not easy but you did the great job. To the point of view from recruitment team, i would say you are very qualify teacher

Thanks for putting this up, it was really good to watch!

I'm a teacher, too... And I want to ask you... Do you use any course book. That class is very large; nevertheless, they are quite. Good luck! You are doing great !!

This is amazing! I REALLY would love to travel to China! Was applying a long process? I read that for Asia you need a 4 year degree to qualify! Did you go to uni first then did your TEFL training? Sorry about all my questions just super interested!!! Thank you!

Excellent...are you still teaching??? Are u teaching in China??? Very nice video n class....any more videos from u??? Thank u.

Thanks for sharing your English lesson! I liked how you got your classroom to participate and made it enjoyable for them. I'm currently interviewing for teaching jobs in China.

I very clear pronunciation ,slow and sharp. I will I learn from you when I was young. I learn my English from an Indian Teacher . Before that. my English test results were zero marks most of the time. That was 55 years ago

Your first class??? No way. You act like a pro. I would’ve been like 😯 so many kids haha

I have a friend who is now living and working as a TEFL teacher in S.Korea and I get the impression that over there there is more opportunity to have a bit more freedom and independence and there is a large expat community too so you get a bit of a social life - but with China being such a massive country it can be a bit hit and miss as to whether you will have any other westerners to hang out with... although I know that that might not be much of an issue depending on what you are going for :-)

Thanks for sharing this. I don't think any CELTA course would prepare you for that many students. Do you have any tips on managing such a large class? I'd imagine group work would be a nightmare!

First lesson is fine, basic introduction, good. Lets see how you evolve your teaching style. Its worth to note that getting the students to open up individually snd as a group, in group activities is a different ball game. Keep it nice innocent and sweet, no satire or sarcasm, otherwise you will lose them.

This was in XuChang in Henan Province, Central China :-)

Thanks so much :-) Such a lovely comment :-)

5.30am to 10pm. Ouch what a long day. Good video, nice job!

10 pm daayyum

Please upload more such videos love to watch you teach

I love your enthusiasm!

Wow, it reminds me of my first week in Korea... but you had almost triple the number of students!

Are they better American highschoolers? :P. By the way can you choose the age group you work with?

Look at all those good students! 15 hour day, yet they're all well-behaved and participating. Bravo.

Extremely helpful! Thanks so much for sharing this!

Depends a lot on the country. China has relatively low requirements and high pay because it isn't yet a mature market, really. In most east Asian countries, a bachelor's degree and TEFL certification is enough.