Nicola Lawler is one of our 10week TEFL volunteers. After completing her TEFL with GVI in July Nicola stayed on to help with construction and then teach her own Level 5 class.


"After qualifying as a TEFL teacher I was told I was going to be teaching the level 5 students. This was quite daunting for me as my only experience was in teaching level 1s.

Planning for the level 5 class was a complete contrast to the level 1's. When teaching the lower levels you tend to use a lot of visual resources and speak in simple sentences. Teaching level 5 is much less visually orientated and focuses more on in depth conversation.

My level 5's like me to teach them about everyday life. I like to teach them subjects that are relevant to everyday conversation that may develop their understanding of current affairs, taboos and popular social topics.

I tend to plan my classes in two different formats. I sometimes give them a formal lesson on particular subjects like Food and Drink From Around the World, Drugs and Alcohol, Mental Health, Physical Health and The Earth and the Solar System. These lessons require a lot of research on my part. In this instance, students will tend to take in a lot of technical vocabulary.

The other kind of lesson I teach is where I pick out a few popular debate subjects such as human cloning and hunting and just get the students to discuss these subjects freely. Anytime a word comes up that they are unfamiliar with, I put it up and the board. In this instance, they get a chance to really push their conversation skills.

This class really enjoy games. Games adults can really enjoy such as Pictionary, Quiz's, 20 Questions and Who Wants to be a Millionaire?. It's a great way to test what they have learnt and get them revved up for the class ahead.

I really loved teaching my level 5's. At this level the personalities of the students really shine through and you get to have a bit of banter and a real laugh. They are a funny bunch and I have had such a good time teaching them."