How Can You Teach Grammar, Games and Group Dynamics Effectively? TEFL A-Z G – S06E07

How can English teachers make grammar less intimidating, use games with a clear learning purpose and help very different learners work well together?In this G-themed episode of the How to English TEFL Podcast, Gav and Em explore grammar, games, gap fills, group dynamics, grading language, global English and guided discovery. Drawing on their classroom experience, they discuss why learners often ask for “grammar” without knowing exactly where their gaps are, and how teachers can identify those needs through conversation and carefully chosen activities.You’ll hear practical ideas for integrating grammar into stories and discussions, including a memorable way to explain either, neither and both. Gav also tests Em with a gardening-vocabulary correction game, showing how eliciting, pre-teaching and adapting support can turn a simple review task into useful conversation.Can AI make a gap-fill more personal and interactive? Em creates one about unicorns in real time and explains how teachers can tailor a familiar activity to a learner’s interests. The conversation then turns to group dynamics: finding common ground, balancing confident and quiet learners, getting to know a group and avoiding vague questions that may put reluctant speakers on the spot.Gav and Em also explain how to grade teacher language through vocabulary, idioms, speaking speed and connected speech. Finally, they consider the benefits and challenges of multilingual classes, before Em makes the case for acting as a guide and helping learners discover answers for themselves.If you find the show useful, you can send us a thanks at https://ko-fi.com/howtoenglishpodVisit https://howtoenglishpod.com for practical teaching ideas and resources ready to use.Chapters00:00 Welcome and the letter G01:43 Why is the letter G difficult to pronounce?03:16 How should teachers approach grammar?07:12 Teaching either, neither and both through a story09:20 Adapting games for vocabulary review12:17 Gardening tools correction game18:09 Creating a personalised AI gap-fill23:12 Managing group dynamics and quiet learners28:22 How to grade your teacher language31:55 Global English and multilingual classes34:37 Guided discovery: being a guide, not a lecturer36:00 Outro