The Lemov Series : Applied Techniques in ELT "No Apologies"
Content is always applicable and worthwhile. No matter the subject. No matter the material. A well planned and enthusiastically taught lesson can be significant independent of the material covered.
“A belief that content is boring is a self-fulfilling prophecy”
The core of the “No Apologies” technique is a belief in the worthwhile applicability of all content. This separates into four categories:
o Assuming something will be boring: If you do not believe in the applicability of your lesson; then your lesson will undoubtedly fall on its face. Not only will you waste your time but your students as well. In ESL (unless your student is fluent) no content is without merit. Content might be too advanced for them – but no content is frivolous.
o Blaming it: Maybe you are made to follow a specific curriculum, maybe you are teaching for a test…whatever the reason might be; blaming someone else for content is useless. In second language acquisition, teaching content (grammar structures maybe) that seems obvious to you might not transfer at all to that language. Chinese – Russian – Arabic – all have unique grammar structures that are not mirrored in English. Covering the smallest (most seemingly obvious) details might be the key to unlocking some students potential.
o Making it “Accessible”: Sometimes it is important to temporarily alter the difficulty of content to make it more accessible. Chunking material can be a great way to introduce difficult content. Diluting the standards of content is not beneficial. If content is too difficult then best to chunk it out, but still ensure that all content is eventually covered. Many times I’ve run into content that I thought would be easily digestible in one lesson only to find students struggling with one sticky aspect of it. Best to sideline that content and move the lesson forward – to make accessible the parts of the lesson that students are understanding – and come back to the sticking point on a follow up lesson.
o Apologizing for students: This one is straightforward. Never assume something is too hard or technical for students. You will be amazed at what students are capable of. Inversely, you will be frustrated by students lack of ability if they are never challenged. Incorporating solid pedagogical techniques (“Stretch it”, “No Opt Out” etc.) can have profound impacts on students abilities, but only if your students feel the challenge.
“Kids respond to challenges; they require pandering only if people pander to them”
“No apologies” sometimes requires the teacher to explore the rationale behind the content of their lessons. It requires an understanding that is capable of fielding curious questions from students (I’ve been caught unprepared to answer “Why?” before and it can bring a whole lesson down). Not being able to explain or challenge your students can leave them feeling disengaged and disinterested in the lesson. All content has its place. All content can be exciting. It is impossible to tell which lesson, class, idea, material will inspire a student to achieve – it is therefore our duty to bring passion and energy to every lesson we teach.
The “Lemov” Series is a review Doug Lemov’s 2011 book: Teach like a Champion: 49 Techniques that put students on the path to college. I highly recommend this fantastic work and do not claim any of these techniques as of/or being my original content.
