Interactive learning: How to maximise interaction in your classroom

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Interactive learning: How to maximise interaction in your classroom

Interactive learning has emerged as a cornerstone in modern educational approaches, particularly in the context of English Language Teaching (ELT). With the shift from traditional, teacher-centred approaches such as the ‘grammar translation method’ to student-centred methodologies such as the ‘communicative approach’, a very definite emphasis on interactive learning and communication is at the forefront of ELT. Schools across Ireland, such as Emerald Cultural Institute in Dublin, are known for emphasising the warm and talkative nature of the Irish people within their classrooms. As teachers we know that fostering interaction is crucial for language acquisition and proficiency development. We know that the best way to help our students learn the target language and use it confidently and fluently, not to mention accurately, is encouraging them to speak. Whether your teaching context is adults or juniors, General English or CLIL, every classroom can benefit from maximising interactive learning in the classroom. Read on to find out more!

This blog explores various techniques and approaches to enhance interactive learning in the ELT classroom, empowering both teachers and students to actively engage in the language learning process in a fun yet effective way. It looks at planning for success using innovating strategies to put your students at the centre of what you do. English language schools across Ireland are strong advocates for spoken communication in their classrooms and this blog explains best practices, fun techniques and ideas for activities you will find in our classrooms across the country.

Why is Interactive Learning important?

Interaction lies at the heart of language acquisition, from learning your first language as a child to learning a second, third or fourth language! It provides learners with opportunities to practise speaking, listening, reading, and writing in authentic contexts, thereby reinforcing language skills and fostering communicative competence. Moreover, interactive learning promotes active engagement, motivation, and a deeper understanding of language structures and functions.

Benefits of Interactive Learning in the ELT Classroom

When you learn English in Ireland your teachers focus on providing the right environment for you to learn, by creating opportunities for you to use authentic language in a fun and relaxed way. Maximising interactive learning has many well researched benefits and is essential for creating a dynamic and effective learning environment in the ELT classroom. By interacting with peers and the instructor, students can learn to express themselves, receive immediate feedback, and develop their confidence in using English in real-life situations. Students in Ireland benefit from full immersion in the language and culture of Ireland and can transfer the skills they have learned in the interactive classroom straightaway as they explore our beautiful green island and enjoy socialising with the friendly Irish population!

Strategies to maximise Interactive learning in the ELT Classroom

The following strategies provide your students with opportunities to interact with other students in their class while using authentic English in a relaxed and fun environment. Try to plan for an interactive learning activity at the start of your lesson to help your students activate their prior knowledge – an important foundation for learning of any kind. This also helps to personalise the lesson for the students as well as igniting their curiosity and preparing them for the rest of the lesson. But, don’t stop there! There is space for interactive learning activities throughout your lesson.

Interactive learning strategies 1: Pair and Group Activities

Pair and group activities not only promote collaborative learning, they also create opportunities for students to engage in meaningful interactions. Teachers can design tasks such as role-plays, discussions, debates, and problem-solving activities that require students to communicate and negotiate meaning with their peers. By working together, students can exchange ideas, share perspectives, and learn from each other’s strengths and weaknesses, thereby enhancing their language proficiency and interpersonal skills. Think about topics which your students are interested in and which are relevant to real life situations and contexts. Pair and group activities work with junior learners of English as well as adult learners, and they work well across all learning contexts from universities to language schools, from summer camps to CLIL!

Interactive learning strategies 2: Think-Pair-Share

Think-Pair-Share is a simple yet powerful strategy to encourage active participation and interactive learning in the classroom, not to mention a very fun approach to bringing authentic communicative strategies to your students. In this technique, teachers pose a question or present a topic, allowing students a few moments to reflect individually (Think). Subsequently, students pair up with a partner to discuss their thoughts and ideas (Pair). Finally, pairs share their insights with the rest of the class (Share). This structured approach not only promotes interaction but also cultivates critical thinking, collaboration, and oral communication skills. This kind of activity works well in English as a Medium of Instruction contexts, as well as in General English language classes. Younger students enjoy being able to pick which topics they talk about so remember to make sure your topic choices are relevant to them!

Interactive learning strategies 3: Role-Playing

This is a classic language learning activity! Role-playing activities immerse students in simulated real-life scenarios, enabling them to practise language functions and social interactions in context. Teachers can assign roles, provide prompts, and set objectives for role-plays, encouraging students to adopt different perspectives, express opinions, and negotiate meaning. Whether simulating a job interview, a customer service interaction, or a social gathering, role-playing offers a dynamic platform for language practice and cultural exploration, fostering empathy, creativity, and linguistic fluency. This really is the cornerstone of many English language classrooms across Ireland!

Interactive learning strategies 4: Peer Feedback and Peer Teaching

Integrating peer feedback and peer teaching into the learning process empowers students to take ownership of their learning and actively contribute to their peers’ development. Teachers can design activities where students provide constructive feedback on each other’s language production, pronunciation, and language use, thereby promoting self-awareness and reflective learning. Additionally, peer teaching tasks allow students to explain concepts, clarify doubts, and share strategies with their classmates, reinforcing their understanding of the language and building confidence in their abilities.

Interactive learning strategies 5: Technology-Enhanced Interaction

Incorporating technology into the classroom can enrich interactive learning experiences and cater to diverse learning styles and preferences. Teachers can utilise digital tools such as interactive whiteboards, multimedia resources, online forums, and educational apps to facilitate collaborative tasks, virtual discussions, and interactive quizzes. Moreover, technology enables asynchronous communication and self-paced learning, providing students with flexibility and autonomy in their language learning journey. By leveraging technology effectively, teachers can create engaging and interactive learning environments that inspire curiosity, exploration, and creativity.

Interactive learning strategies 6: Scaffolded Instruction

Scaffolded instruction involves providing structured support and guidance to help students engage with challenging tasks and concepts gradually. Teachers can scaffold interaction by breaking down complex activities into manageable steps, providing clear instructions, modelling language use, and offering scaffolding tools such as graphic organisers, sentence frames, and vocabulary prompts. By scaffolding interaction, teachers can cater to students’ diverse needs and abilities, ensuring that all learners are actively involved and making progress towards their language learning goals.

Conclusion

In conclusion, maximising interactive learning in the ELT classroom is essential for promoting language acquisition, communicative competence, and learner engagement, not to mention fun! By implementing diverse strategies such as pair and group activities, think-pair-share, role-playing, peer feedback, technology-enhanced interaction, and scaffolded instruction, teachers can create dynamic and inclusive learning environments that foster collaboration, critical thinking, and linguistic fluency. Moreover, by prioritising interactive learning, educators can empower students to become active participants in their language learning journey, equipping them with the skills and confidence to communicate effectively in English both inside and outside the classroom. ELT classrooms across Ireland promote interactive learning and give you the skills you need to enjoy using the target language as you enjoy life in Ireland!

Author: Rachael Fionda, Training and Development Coordinator, Emerald Cultural Institute