Part V – Using the Dogme Approach in group lessons – Putting a name to the methodologies that TalktoCanada.com uses to teach ESL online

by Jillian Zavitz

Teaching English whether it is to individuals or to groups requires different strategies to get students involved and interested in the topic material.  Many students, because they are used to following robotic like exercises feel comfortable in this situation and it is difficult to break them out of it.

TalktoCanada.com tries to discourage robotic like learning – by offering different and creative methods that aim to encourage conversation and really take advantage of learning online with a native English speaker.

However, having said this – using the Dogme approach with a group does have its challenges.  Each student has different goals and areas that need improvement – so essentially each student is going in a different direction.  Sometimes it is difficult to follow each of the paths that the students lay out for you, and as a teacher you need to somehow get them all on the same, or somewhat same path in order to maintain some type of classroom control.

But – regardless of this major challenge – the benefits of using this approach with a group far outweigh it.  Students are able to interact with each other, ask each other questions, debate topics, discuss their opinions and feelings, disagree with each other, share opinions, jokes and ideas – all of the things that are very important in Language learning.

So while the Dogme approach does pose a few obstacles with groups – it has been tested and has succeeded.  The less amount of materials the better – put the students in the hot seat – and see where it goes – some days I’m sure you would be as surprised as I am as to where the lesson ends up.