Author: Adrian Tennant | Published on 2 January 2024
Question: Can unexpected events be used positively?
Answer: Yes, as long as the teacher is prepared for the unexpected and can be flexible.
Lessons don’t always go as planned. Often the problem is not the plan, but that something unexpected happened to interrupt the planned lesson. For example:
- a learner arriving late
- a fire alarm going off
- a school inspector arriving without warning
- the electricity going off
It’s important not to get worried or stressed when something unexpected happens. Stay calm and think about whether you can use the situation positively.
For example, when a school inspector arrives without warning. Put the learners in pairs and ask them to write 4 or 5 questions to ask the inspector in English. Give them a time limit of 5 minutes. Monitor to make sure the questions are appropriate and then get them to interview the school inspector.
Think of something unexpected that happened during one of your lessons. What could you have done differently to turn the situation to your advantage?