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Teaching Advanced Students 10 Essential Tips 2 PDF

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SERGIO PANTOJA

Teaching
Advanced
Students:
10 ESSENTIAL TIPS
Expert Tips for
Inspiring and
Empowering Your
Advanced English
Students
Teaching
Advanced
Students:
10 Essential Tips

Copyright © 2023
Sergio Pantoja
All rights reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced,


or stored in a retrieval system, or
transmitted in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise,
without express written permission of
the publisher.

02

The
Author
Sergio Pantoja is a CELT-P, CELT-S, and Delta
Module 1 tutor based in Brazil. Being in the ELT
field since 2002, he has worked as a teacher,
teacher trainer, speaking and writing examiner.
He holds, among others, a degree in Languages,
a postgraduate degree in English Language
Teaching and Translation, a TESOL Certificate
from the University of Oregon, USA, the C2
Proficiency certificate (CPE), and the Delta. His
Delta Module 3 Specialism focused on LDT
(Language Development for Teachers). Sérgio is
the author of two books:

Word Formation: 100 Word Formation


Exercises + Vocabulary Tips - Level C2

Strange but True - 10 Incredible News Stories:


Reading and Vocabulary Practice for High-
Intermediate and Advanced Students.

WWW.SERGIOPANTOJAELT.COM.BR
03

O1
Encourage Extensive
Reading

O2
Incorporate authentic
materials

O3
Focus on advanced
grammar structures

O4
CONTENT
Teach advanced vocabulary
and collocations

05
Provide regular writing
practice
04

O6
Create opportunities for
real-world language use

O7
Offer exam preparation
support

08
Encourage critical thinking
and analysis

09
CONTENT
Use differentiated
instruction

10
Encourage independent
learning
05

Introduction
Teaching advanced English learners is a unique challenge
that requires specialized knowledge and skills. Students at
levels C1 and C2 of the Common European Framework of
Reference for Languages have already acquired a high
level of proficiency in English and are able to communicate
effectively in a variety of situations. Therefore, their
language needs are different from those of lower-level
learners.

Firstly, many advanced students often need to prepare for


high-stakes exams such as the TOEFL, IELTS, or the
Cambridge ones, which are required for admission to
universities or for professional certification. Success on
these exams can significantly influence their future
opportunities.

Secondly, they may be preparing to study or work in an


English-speaking country and need to be able to
communicate well in academic or professional contexts.

Finally, learning a language to an advanced level is an


accomplishment in itself, and it can open doors to new
cultural experiences and personal growth.
06

The Common European Framework of Reference for


Languages (CEFR) is a widely recognized framework for
assessing language proficiency. The CEFR divides language
proficiency into six levels, from A1 (beginner) to C2
(mastery). Advanced English learners are typically at
levels C1 or C2, which means they have already achieved a
high level of proficiency in all four language skills: speaking,
listening, reading, and writing. Therefore, teaching
advanced English learners requires a more nuanced
approach that focuses on specific areas of language use
and skills.

In this ebook, I will provide you with 10 tips for teaching


advanced English students. These tips are based on over
many years of experience, and they have been proven to
be effective in helping learners achieve their language
goals.

Each tip will be presented in detail, with practical examples


and suggestions for implementation.

Whether you are a seasoned English teacher or a new


teacher looking for guidance, these tips will help you
develop your teaching skills and provide your students with
the tools they need to succeed in English. So let's get
started!
O1

ENCOURAGE
EXTENSIVE
READING
08

The importance of Reading for Language Acquisition

Reading is a key component of language acquisition, as it


allows students to encounter and engage with new
vocabulary, grammar structures, and ideas in a way that is
both context-rich and engaging. In addition, It can help
learners develop their comprehension, fluency, and critical
thinking skills, as they must use their understanding of the
language to interpret and analyze written texts.

Reading can also have a significant impact on students'


overall language proficiency, as extensive reading has
been shown to improve vocabulary, grammar, and
writing skills. In fact, research has found that learners who
engage in extensive reading often outperform those who
focus solely on classroom instruction.
09

Selecting Appropriate Reading Materials

When selecting reading materials for advanced learners,


it's important to consider a number of factors, including
learners' interests, language proficiency, and learning
goals. Ideally, reading materials should be engaging and
interesting, while also providing appropriate levels of
challenge.

One way to select appropriate reading materials is to use


graded readers - books that have been specifically
designed to match learners' language proficiency levels.
Graded readers typically include vocabulary and grammar
structures that are appropriate for a given proficiency level,
as well as engaging and age-appropriate content.

Another way to do that is to use authentic materials, such


as news articles, literature, and academic texts. Authentic
materials can provide learners with valuable exposure to
real-world language use and help prepare them for
communication in a wide range of contexts.
10

Encouraging Reading Strategies

Encouraging learners to engage in extensive reading can


be challenging, particularly if they are not already avid
readers. However, there are many strategies that we can
use to promote reading and make it a more enjoyable and
engaging experience for our students.

One strategy is to provide them with plenty of reading


materials that match their interests and learning goals. We
can also help them identify books, articles, and other
materials that are relevant to their hobbies, careers, or
personal interests and that align with their language
proficiency levels.

Another strategy is to incorporate reading into classroom


activities, such as book clubs or literature circles. These
activities can provide students with an opportunity to
engage with reading materials in a collaborative and
supportive environment and develop their critical thinking
skills.
11
Additionally, we can use online resources and tools to
promote reading, such as e-books, audiobooks, and online
reading platforms. These resources can give students easy
access to a plethora of options and help make reading a
more convenient and flexible activity.

Encouraging extensive reading is an important part of


teaching advanced English learners. By selecting
appropriate reading materials and using effective
strategies to promote it, we can help students develop
their language proficiency, critical thinking skills, and
overall enjoyment of the language.
O2

INCORPORATE
AUTHENTIC
MATERIALS
13

Definition of Authentic Materials

Authentic materials are texts or resources that are created


for native speakers of a language and are used in their
daily lives. They include a wide range of materials, such as
newspaper articles, advertisements, social media posts,
songs, movies, and podcasts.

The defining characteristic of authentic materials is that


they were not specifically created for language learners,
but rather for native speakers of the language. This means
that they are filled with vocabulary, colloquial expressions,
and cultural references that reflect real-world language
use.
14
The Importance of Using Authentic Materials

There are several benefits to incorporating authentic


materials into English language teaching.

Authentic materials can provide a more realistic and


engaging context for language use. In addition, they can
expose students to different cultural perspectives, help
them develop critical thinking skills, and prepare them for
real-world language use.

Examples of Authentic Materials and How to Incorporate


Them

There are many types of authentic materials that can be


used in English language teaching, including:

1-Newspapers and Magazines: We can select relevant and


interesting articles from newspapers and magazines and
incorporate them into lesson plans. For example, we can
ask learners to read the articles and discuss their opinions
on the topic, or use the articles to introduce new
vocabulary or grammar structures.
15
2- Social Media: Social media platforms, such as Twitter,
Facebook, and Instagram are a rich source of authentic
materials. We can use social media posts to introduce
learners to colloquial expressions, idioms, and slang or to
help them understand how language is used in different
contexts.

3- Film and TV: Watching films and TV shows can be an


enjoyable and effective way for advanced students to
develop their listening and comprehension skills. We can
select films and shows that are relevant to their interests
and use them to introduce new vocabulary, grammar, and
cultural concepts.

4- Music: Songs are a fun and engaging way for students


to develop their listening and comprehension skills, as well
as their pronunciation and vocabulary. Again, we can
choose songs that are meaningful to our students' interests
and work on language.

Incorporating authentic materials into teaching requires


careful selection and planning. We should select materials
that meet our students' needs and ensure that they are
appropriate for their language proficiency levels. What's
more, we should provide support and guidance to help
learners make the most of the materials and engage with
them as effectively as possible.
O3

FOCUS ON
ADVANCED
GRAMMAR
STRUCTURES
17

Examples of Advanced Grammar Structures

Advanced grammar structures are those that go beyond


basic sentence structures and verb tenses, and are more
complex and nuanced. Examples of advanced grammar
structures include:

1- Cleft sentences: Cleft sentences are sentences that


emphasize a specific part of the sentence by using a
special structure. For example, "It was John who won the
race" instead of "John won the race".

2- Inversion with negative adverbials: Inversion is a


grammatical structure where the subject and verb order is
reversed. Inversion can be used with negative adverbials
such as "never" and "rarely" to add emphasis to a sentence.
For example, "Never have I seen such a beautiful sunset."

3- Participle clauses: Participle clauses are clauses that


use verb forms ending in "-ing" or "-ed" to describe an
action or situation. For example, "Walking down the street, I
saw a dog."
18

How to Teach Advanced Grammar Structures

Teaching advanced grammar structures requires a variety


of strategies and techniques to help learners understand
and apply the structures effectively. Some effective
strategies for teaching them include:

1- Contextualize the grammar: Advanced structures are


more complex and nuanced than basic structures, so
students may struggle to understand them if they are
presented in isolation. We should provide learners with
meaningful and compelling contexts to help them learn
and practice the grammar, such as reading passages,
listening exercises, or real-life scenarios.

2- Use visual aids: Visual aids, such as diagrams or charts,


can be an effective way to help students visualize and
understand more complex structures. For example, we can
use timelines to illustrate how some more complex verbs
tenses are used.

3- Provide guided practice: Advanced structures may


require a lot of practice to master, which means that
students may need guidance and support in order to use
them properly. We should provide learners with
opportunities to practice the grammar through a variety of
activities, such as gap-fill exercises, sentence
transformations, or writing prompts.
19

Common Mistakes to Watch Out For

Teaching advanced structures can be challenging, and


students may make a number of common mistakes when
learning and using them. Some common mistakes to
watch out for include:

1- Incorrect use of if clauses: They may struggle with the


correct usage of if clauses. For example, students may
confuse the second with the third conditional, even get the
mixed conditionals wrong.

2- Run-on sentences: They are likely to create run-on


sentences - sentences that join two or more independent
clauses without proper punctuation.

3- Confusion with verb patterns: They may have trouble


using the correct verb pattern, such as gerunds or
infinitives, after certain verbs. Students are also bound to
confuse the use of certain verbs that take a particular
preposition, such as "congratulate on" or "prevent from."

Focusing on more complex grammar structures is an


essential part of teaching advanced English learners. By
providing them with memorable contexts, visual aids, and
guided practice, we can help them master these structures
and develop their language proficiency.
O4
TEACH ADVANCED
VOCABULARY AND
COLLOCATIONS
21

The Importance of Advanced Vocabulary for


Communication

Having a rich vocabulary can help us be more precise


while getting our ideas across. Advanced vocabulary
includes words and phrases that are less common and
more specific to particular topics or fields and can help
learners communicate more effectively. Students who have
a strong command of advanced vocabulary are often
better able to express complex ideas, understand more
nuanced meanings, and engage in more sophisticated
discourse.
22

Strategies for Teaching and Practicing Advanced


Vocabulary

Teaching and practicing advanced vocabulary requires


strategies to help learners develop and use the new words
or chunks effectively. Some effective techniques for
teaching and practicing advanced lexis include:

1- Provide relevant contexts: Advanced vocabulary is often


highly specific and tied to particular topics or fields. We
should provide students with meaningful and interesting
contexts in which to learn and practice the new words, such
as reading passages, listening exercises, or real-life
situations.

2- Encourage the use of dictionaries: Advanced learners


should be encouraged to use dictionaries to look up
unfamiliar vocabulary and to deepen their understanding
of the meaning and usage of words.

3- Provide opportunities for practice: Learners need plenty


of practice in order to master advanced vocabulary. We
should provide them with opportunities to manipulate the
new words through a variety of activities, such as
identifying, selecting, matching, sorting, and ranking.
23

Examples of Common Collocations

Collocations are words that are commonly used together


and form natural combinations in language. Some
examples of common collocations include:

1. Make a decision
2. Take a chance
3. Run a business
4. Face a problem
5. Give a speech
6. Take an interest in
7. Break a record
8. Lose one's temper
9. Set the table
10. Draw a conclusion
24

By understanding and using common collocations, learners


can communicate more precisely and effectively and
demonstrate a higher level of language proficiency.

We can assist students in developing and using advanced


vocabulary through the use of effective teaching
techniques, such as the ones mentioned in this chapter. In
doing so, not only will we help our learners enhance their
lexicon but also communicate better and more
successfully.
O5

PROVIDE
REGULAR
WRITING
PRACTICE
26

The Importance of Writing for Language Acquisition

Writing is a very important part of language acquisition, as


it allows students to practice and apply their language
knowledge and skills in a more controlled and deliberate
way. It can help advanced learners further develop their
vocabulary, grammar, and syntax, as well as their critical
thinking.

Additionally, It can help students enhance their


communication skills, as they must learn how to convey
their ideas clearly and effectively to their intended
audience.
27

Types of Writing Activities for Advanced Learners

There are many writing activities that can be used to


provide regular writing practice for advanced students.
Some effective ones include:

1- Essay writing: Essays require learners to engage with


complex ideas and to communicate their thoughts and
arguments effectively. We can use essay prompts to help
students practice different types of essays, such as
persuasive, expository, or argumentative.

2- Summarizing: Summarizing requires learners to extract


the main ideas and arguments from a longer text and
communicate them clearly in a shorter format. For
example, we can provide students with reading passages
and ask them to write a summary of the text.

3- Writing prompts: Writing prompts provide advanced


students with a specific topic or question to write about. We
can use writing prompts to encourage our learners to write
about a range of topics, such as current events, personal
experiences, or academic concepts.
28

Strategies for Providing Effective Feedback

Providing effective feedback is essential for helping


advanced students improve their writing skills and
language proficiency. Some effective strategies include:

1- Focus on specific areas: We can focus on specific areas


for improvement, such as grammar, vocabulary, or
organization, and provide specific feedback on those
areas.

2- Provide examples: We can provide models to help


students understand what good writing looks like and
teach useful writing strategies.

3- Encourage revision: Learners should be encouraged to


revise their writing based on feedback and to submit
revised drafts for further feedback.

4- Provide timely feedback: Feedback should be provided


in a timely manner, so that students can incorporate the
feedback into their writing practice as quickly as possible.

By offering diverse writing tasks and constructive feedback,


advanced learners can refine their writing skills and
become more competent writers.
06
CREATE
OPPORTUNITIES
FOR REAL-
WORLD
LANGUAGE USE
30

The Importance of Using English in Real-World Situations

Using English in real-world situations is essential for


fostering learners' language proficiency and
communication skills. Real-world language use allows
students to apply their language skills in authentic
contexts, to develop a deeper understanding of cultural
norms and communication styles, and to engage in more
sophisticated discourse.

Real-world language use also helps learners build their


confidence in using English, as they become more
comfortable and familiar with the language in different
contexts.
31

Strategies for Creating Authentic Language Use


Opportunities

Some effective strategies for creating authentic language


use opportunities include:

1- Simulate real-world situations: We can create


simulations of real-world situations, such as job interviews,
meetings, or social gatherings, in which advanced learners
must use English to accomplish their communicative goal.

2- Provide opportunities for collaborative work:


Collaborative work provides students with opportunities to
use English in real-life situations, such as group projects or
debates, and allows them to practice their communication
and critical thinking.

3- Use authentic materials: As mentioned in chapter 2,


authentic materials, such as newspaper articles,
advertisements, or podcasts, can provide advanced
students with authentic language use opportunities and
help them engage with the language in real-world
contexts.
32

Examples of Activities and Tasks that Simulate Real-


World Language Use

There are many types of activities and tasks that can


simulate real-world language use and provide advanced
students with opportunities to use English in authentic
contexts. Some examples of activities and tasks include:

1- Role-plays: Role-plays encourage learners to simulate


real-life situations, such as job interviews, customer service
interactions, or social gatherings.

2- Debates: Debates require students to use English to


argue a point of view or defend a position, and to engage
in critical thinking and communication skills.

3- Group projects: Students can collaborate and use


English to exchange ideas, as they work together to
complete a task or achieve a goal.
33

This chapter has focused on various strategies we can


employ to enable advanced students' to use English in
authentic situations. These techniques include using
authentic materials, providing opportunities for
collaborative work, and simulating real-life situations. By
incorporating activities and tasks that replicate real-world
language use, students can sharpen their critical thinking
and communication skills.
07

OFFER EXAM
PREPARATION
SUPPORT
35

Overview of the Exams Commonly Taken by Advanced


English Students

Advanced English students may take a variety of exams to


demonstrate their language proficiency and obtain
international qualifications. The most commonly taken
ones include:

1- Cambridge English exams: Cambridge English exams


are internationally recognized qualifications that assess
learners' language proficiency at different levels, including
C1 and C2.

2- International English Language Testing System (IELTS):


IELTS is a standardized test that assesses learners'
language proficiency for academic or professional
purposes and is often required for admission to universities
or for immigration purposes.

3- Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL): TOEFL is


also a standardized test that assesses learners' language
proficiency for academic purposes and is usually required
for admission to universities or for professional goals.
36

Strategies for Preparing Students for Exams

Preparing students for exams requires a myriad of


techniques to help them develop their language
proficiency, test-taking strategies, and the confidence
needed to succeed. Some effective strategies include:

1- Develop language skills: We can help students develop


the language skills necessary for the exam, including
vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation.

1- Provide exam practice: We can provide learners with


opportunities to practice the different sections of the exam,
including reading, writing, listening, and speaking, and give
feedback on their performance.

2- Teach test-taking strategies: We can teach learners


effective test-taking strategies, such as the importance of
managing their time, watching out for distractors, and
identifying key words and paraphrasing.

3- Build confidence: We should help learners build their


confidence by providing positive feedback, and
encouraging them to set goals and track progress.
37

Examples of Exam Preparation Activities and Resources

There are many activities and resources that can be used


to prepare learners for exams, including:

1- Exam preparation courses: Exam preparation courses


are designed specifically to help students prepare for
particular exams and can provide them with structured
and focused practice opportunities.

2- Practice exams: Practice exams provide learners with


the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the format
and content of the exam, and to improve their test-taking
strategies.

3- Vocabulary and grammar exercises: Vocabulary and


grammar exercises provide students with targeted practice
opportunities to improve their language skills and prepare
for the language-focused sections of the exam.

4- Model answers and feedback: Model answers and


feedback provide learners with examples of effective
responses and help them understand what examiners are
looking for.
38

Offering exam preparation support is an essential part of


English language teaching for advanced learners. We can
help students prepare for exams and achieve their goals
by developing their language skills, providing guided exam
practice, teaching test-taking strategies, and building their
confidence.
08

ENCOURAGE
CRITICAL
THINKING AND
ANALYSIS
40

The Importance of Developing Critical Thinking Skills for


Advanced Students

Developing critical thinking skills is important for advanced


learners as they engage with complex ideas, evaluate
information, and express their own ideas and opinions.
Critical thinking skills allow learners to engage in more
sophisticated discourse, to understand and analyze
different perspectives, and to form their own opinions
based on evidence and reasoning.

In addition, critical thinking is essential for academic and


professional success, as students must be able to evaluate
and analyze information and ideas in a myriad of contexts.
41

Strategies for Promoting Critical Thinking and Analysis

We can employ a variety of techniques to help learners


engage with complex ideas, evaluate information, and
express their own ideas and opinions. Some effective
strategies for promoting critical thinking and analysis
include:

1- Ask open-ended questions: Open-ended questions


encourage learners to engage in critical thinking and to
express their own ideas and opinions, as they must provide
evidence and reasoning to support their answers.

2- Encourage analysis and evaluation: Encouraging


learners to analyze and evaluate information, such as
through reading comprehension exercises or research
projects, can help them develop higher-order thinking skills

3- Engage in debates and discussions: Engaging


advanced students in debates and discussions on complex
issues can help them improve their communication and
critical thinking skills, as they must articulate their own
ideas and respond to the ideas of others.
42

Examples of Critical Thinking Activities and Tasks

There are many types of activities and tasks that can


promote critical thinking and provide students with
opportunities to engage with complex ideas. Some
examples of activities and tasks include:

1- Analysis of news articles: Students can analyze news


articles to develop their critical thinking by evaluating the
evidence, identifying the author's point of view and forming
their own opinions.

2- Research projects: Research projects can provide


advanced students with opportunities to analyze and
evaluate information and to form their own ideas and
opinions based on evidence and reasoning.

3- Group debates: Group debates can give learners many


opportunities to engage in critical thinking, as they must
articulate their own ideas and respond to the ideas of
others.
43

Fostering critical thinking is crucial for the development of


advanced students. By using open-ended questions,
promoting analysis and evaluation, and encouraging
debates and discussions, we can nurture their abilities and
help them reach their full potential. Critical thinking is an
essential ingredient for effective communication, so let's
strive to integrate it into our lessons.
09

USE
DIFFERENTIATED
INSTRUCTION
45

The Importance of Meeting Individual Learner Needs

Advanced learners are a diverse group of students with


different backgrounds, goals, and language abilities. Some
may be very proficient in grammar and vocabulary but
struggle with speaking or writing. Others may be fluent
speakers but lack confidence in their reading skills. It's
essential to recognize that one-size-fits-all instruction may
not be effective for all learners and that differentiated
instruction is necessary to meet individual learner needs.

By differentiating instruction, we can provide each student


with the appropriate level of challenge and support, which
helps to maintain their motivation, build their confidence,
and ultimately achieve their language learning goals.
Furthermore, differentiated instruction can help learners to
improve skills that are not typically emphasized in
traditional classroom settings, such as problem-solving,
critical thinking, and creativity.
46

Strategies for Differentiating Instruction for Advanced


Learners

There are several strategies that we can use to differentiate


instruction for advanced learners:

1- Pre-assessment: Before starting a new topic or unit, we


can use pre-assessment tools to gather information about
students' existing knowledge, skills, and interests. This
allows us to tailor our instruction to our student's needs and
to identify areas where additional support or challenge
may be required.

2- Flexible grouping: We can use flexible grouping to


organize learners into small groups based on their abilities,
interests, or learning styles. This allows us to provide
differentiated instruction to each group and to provide
them with opportunities to learn from and support one
another.

3- Varied instructional materials: We can use a wide


range of instructional materials, such as texts, videos,
podcasts, and interactive software, to meet the diverse
needs and interests of our students. By providing multiple
ways to learn, we can engage and help them to build their
language skills in different ways.
47

Examples of Differentiated Activities

There are many activities that we can use to differentiate


instruction for advanced learners. Here are a few examples:

1- Socratic seminars: This activity involves a small group of


students engaging in a discussion based on a text. The
teacher can use pre-assessment to determine the
appropriate level of text for each group and can provide
guiding questions to help them explore the text in depth.

2- Collaborative writing: We can use flexible grouping to


organize students into pairs or small groups and assign
them different writing tasks based on their abilities and
interests. For example, advanced learners can be
challenged to write a discursive essay, while struggling
learners can be supported to write a summary or a
personal reflection.
48

3- Choice boards: This activity involves providing students


with a range of options for how they can demonstrate their
learning. For example, students can choose to write a blog
post, create a video, or design a presentation. We can
provide a menu of options with different levels of difficulty
to meet the needs of different learners.

In conclusion, differentiated instruction is an effective


approach for meeting the diverse needs of advanced
learners. By using pre-assessment, flexible grouping, and
varied instructional materials, we can provide each
students with the appropriate level of challenge and
support. When students are appropriately challenged, they
are more likely to remain engaged in their learning and
make progress. Additionally, differentiated instruction helps
to ensure that all students have access to high-quality
educational opportunities.
10

ENCOURAGE
INDEPENDENT
LEARNING
50

The Importance of Self-Directed Learning for Advanced


Learners

Advanced learners have already acquired a strong


foundation in English language skills, and they are more
likely to have specific learning goals and interests. They
have a deeper understanding of their learning preferences,
and strengths. They also have a greater ability to direct
their own learning and to take responsibility for their
progress.

Self-directed learning can help them to improve a number


of skills, such as problem-solving, time management, and
autonomy. It also helps them to stay motivated and
engaged in their learning, and to develop the self-
awareness and discipline necessary to continue learning
throughout their lives.
51

Strategies for Promoting Independent Learning

Here are some strategies that we can use to promote


independent learning in advanced learners:

1- Provide learning resources: We can provide a range of


learning resources, such as textbooks, articles, videos,
podcasts, and online courses. This enables learners to
explore their interests, to deepen their knowledge, and to
pursue their learning goals.

2- Use goal setting: We can also encourage students to set


their own learning goals and to design a plan of action for
achieving them. This can help them to stay focused,
motivated, and on track with their learning.

3- Encourage reflection: We can encourage learners to


reflect on their learning progress, to identify their strengths
and weaknesses, and to make changes to their learning
strategies as needed. This helps them to foster self-
awareness and to take ownership of their learning.
52
How to Provide Guidance and Support

While independent learning is essential for advanced


learners, teachers still have a critical role in guiding and
supporting their learning. Here are some ways that we can
provide guidance and support:

1- Set expectations: We can communicate clear


expectations for independent learning, such as the
frequency and type of learning activities, and the desired
outcomes. This can help learners to stay on track and to
focus their learning efforts.

2- Provide feedback: We can provide feedback on


students' progress, such as correcting errors, suggesting
improvements, and providing encouragement.

3- Offer guidance: We can offer guidance on learning


strategies, such as how to set goals, how to manage time,
and how to overcome challenges. This will help them to
develop the skills necessary to become successful
independent learners.

4- Create a supportive environment: We can also create a


supportive environment by fostering a positive and
inclusive classroom culture, by providing access to learning
resources and encouraging peer-to-peer learning. This
can help create a community of learners who can support
and motivate each other.
53

In conclusion, encouraging independent learning in


advanced learners is essential for their continued growth
and development. By setting expectations, providing
feedback, offering guidance, and creating a supportive
environment, we can help them become successful,
independent, life-long learners.
To find out more about my courses and workshops, go to

www.sergiopantojaelt.com.br

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