Student-centered lessons are vital in communicative language learning. I have earlier introduced my ideal model for dealing with textbook chapters. However, there are some special group work techniques or methods that are extremely effective and increase student motivation by offering another kind of approaches to the learning process.

They are typically practical extensions to what we do in class, roads leading to deep-level learning. Teaching the students not only linguistic skills but other skills needed in life, too.

‘Work stations’ lessons, Task-based and Inquiry-based lessons and Co-operative group work are ideal types of lessons if you need to introduce new effective and motivating methods in class.

I will introduce these techniques here by giving a general definition and deal with them in the following articles separately. In the long run I hope to be able to present a practical video on each of these techniques.

Any of these techniques is effective and ideal as a CLT lesson since the students are using English actively in groups and the teacher is in the role of a facilitator of learning. Learning takes place in a relaxed atmosphere without pressure and many other skills are enhanced in addition to learning English.

N.B. I have added lots of phrases to be used when you are giving instructions to the students on these techniques. See ‘Class instructions in pair and group work’ .

Work station technique

The teacher organizes the students in 4-5 groups that have different kind of tasks. Each group works for 8 -10 minutes at their table, checks the answers and moves on to the next table with different tasks. (Times depend on the length of lessons, of course). I recommend the use of work station approach in ordinary textbook lessons and in exam revisions, 10 minute bursts with a change in tasks.

Task-based learning

Task-based learning (TBL) is typically a group or pair activity where the target language is used in roleplay type of ‘real-life’ situations or to enhance the learning of some grammatical structure to achieve some communicative purpose. TBL is an excellent method in teaching everyday situations such as ‘at the airport’ and ‘at a restaurant’ but also when the focus is on some grammatical structure.

Inquiry-based learning

In principle inquiry-based learning (IBL) means that student groups use critical thinking and try to answer a question or solve a problem by using the target language every step of the way. For example: Which fruit and vegetables do you eat in your family and why? What does a healthy diet look like?

Co-operative learning

Co-operative learning is the most demanding form of group work for the teacher to arrange. It means first having an inquiry based group work followed by mixing the groups.

These new groups will have one member from each previous groups. Then each student explains the others what they learnt in their old group. In the end if time allows, everyone will go back to their first group to summarize what they have learnt.

This method may seem daunting but trust me. When you have done it once, it is ok. Just a little more planning and organizing. For example: What are the benefits and dangers with various sources of energy? What should you take into account if you are applying for a summer job?

I can hear you asking ‘Where do I find time to use any of these techniques? Yes, I used to think that way too. The reality is that most of our lessons are spent on dealing with textbook chapters. Nevertheless, if you follow my advice on how to speed up the process with the chapters or even skip some of them, you will find time for these techniques too. Any of these lessons are appreciated by the students.