Blue Ocean teachers have diverse teaching strategies, but they have one aim which is students’ success. Let’s find out how Teacher Francis handles his IELTS classes that may lead students to acing their test.
Ensure students’ improvement on each task
Francis: “In my IELTS classes, I guarantee the students’ improvement by conducting regular check-ups such as daily homework and weekly mock tests. On my part specifically, I teach my students on how to grade or check themselves in their work. For example, in my speaking class I and my student record the practice tests. After each test, we listen to the recording and I let the student comment on his own mistakes or give any feedback on how he did on the test. By doing that, I’m giving him/ her sustainable ability to use outside the four walls of the classroom.”
- Every day, there are two sessions of speaking class in the IELTS Guarantee course (IELTS Speaking = 1 session; ESL Speaking = 1 session).
Create a conducive learning environment
Francis: “I try to balance the work and play time that I have with my students. I think that students must also be enjoying the class while learning. Having fun makes the absorption of the lesson much faster and more efficient. Furthermore, the balance of practical and modular communication skills is also relevant because this helps the learner to communicate well and be confident with the language itself. In addition, I emphasize the importance of lexicons or vocabularies. I believe that these are the backbone of the English language. Having poor language skills is the result of having a narrow vocabulary range.”
Having taught for more than two years at Blue Ocean Academy, teacher Francis can confidently say that the teachers’ strategies are indeed effective. When asked to share a success story regarding IELTS, this is what he said:
Everyone’s story is a successful one
Francis: “There are lots of ups and downs with regards to IELTS stories; however, I can say that our Blue Ocean students have success stories to share. We’ve seen them improve in their weekly mock tests, day to day communication and most importantly the development of their confidence level in using the English language.”
What is with Blue Ocean teachers’ that set them apart from others? According to Francis, it is versatility. The teachers know how to adapt to the temperament of the students they handle.
Francis: “Some learners prefer strict teaching methodologies while some do not. I can assure you that all teachers in this academy can accommodate all the students’ preferences. It is also very noteworthy that Cebu Blue Ocean Academy teachers do not give fish to the students; rather they teach them how to fish. In other words, we don’t give them answers; we teach them how to find answers. So, if you want to study in a school that can guarantee you the IELTS score that you want to achieve, nothing compares to Cebu Blue Ocean Academy.”
Aside from being an IELTS Guarantee teacher, Francis also teaches ESL subjects. He was actually recognized as the Teacher of the Month last August. Now, he is going to answer some frequently asked questions regarding the English language.
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How do you handle students who are not motivated to study English?
Well for me, I keep them engaged by asking questions to give them the opportunity to speak in English thus developing their confidence. Moreover, asking questions give them the chance to warm themselves up because most probably they are just shy in the beginning.
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Any tips in improving listening skills?
The usual tips I give to my students are:
- Watch English movies or dramas
- Listen to English songs
- Avoid having interactions using their local language, instead use English
By doing so, the learners are getting familiarized with the language. These tips help them to improve their listening, comprehension, speaking and vocabulary skills.
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What’s the best part about being an ESL or IELTS teacher?
The best part is being able to witness the growth and development of each and every student that I handle in using the English language. Well, this is not only in the case of test modules but also in their daily lives.
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Can you give us a quick grammar lesson?
Well, of course! We have 7 coordinating conjunctions that connect two or more than independent clauses. These are: for, and, nor, but, or, yet, so. For you to remember these conjunctions, it’s better to use a mnemonic device which is – FANBOYS!
For more frequently asked questions about the English language, watch the videos of teacher John Ray and teacher Mau on YouTube. Don’t forget to subscribe to our social media accounts: 
