There are different ways in which we can organise our learners in the classroom. Learners can work on their own, as a whole, in pairs, in teams, or in groups.
The interaction patterns we choose depend on the learners and their learning styles, our teaching style and preferences, the teaching approach, the learning context, the type of activity, the aim or learning purpose of the activity and the stage of a lesson.
Interaction patterns
* Groups or pairs
Students working with other students.
* Students to the teacher
Feedback
* Whole class
Teacher to students
* Individuals
Students complete their tasks on their own.
* Pairwork
* Open pairs
Student to student with the teacher facilitating
* Mingling activity
Students move around the classroom asking questions of other
student.
* Groups or pairs
Students compare and discuss their answers.
Whole-class activities
Such as mingles, enable all the students to practise the language at the same. These activities are good for increasing confidence, specially amongt shy or weaker learners.
Individual activities
Give students a chance to work at their own pace and to focus and organise their thoughts.
Pair and group activities provide students with opportunities for developing longer turns and fluency through interaction.
