PROBLEMS FACED BY STATE EFL TEACHERS WHO TEACH FIRST GRADERS

PROBLEMS FACED BY STATE EFL TEACHERS WHO TEACH FIRST GRADERS
( These problems should be addressed in relation to previous researches conducted in the Greek context (concerning the teaching of VYLs) as well as generally relevant literature on the issues and be appropriately justified and referenced) Discipline issues( as related to the psychological characteristics of the specific age group as well as the heterogeneity existing in Greek classes because they comprise of mixed level learners/ different level of appreciation of EFL learning/ encouragement from families/ ) Motivational issues as discussed in the PEAPs section (motivating Very Young Learners) The establishment of routines (as related to the pedagogical principles that underline the teaching of the specific age group) The establishment of a warm environment ((as related to the psychological principles that underline the teaching of the specific age group) The choice of materials ((as related to the directives of the Greek Ministry of Education for EFL teachers to adapt and create their own materials to match the needs of their pupils) The choice of activities (as related to the directives of the Greek Ministry of Education for EFL teachers to adapt and create their own activities to match the needs of their pupils) Using the appropriate level of language (as related to the theories that foster the adaption of an approach similar to the use of caretakers level of language when babies are in the process of developing L1) Practicalities ( toilet/tissues) (as related to the theories that children should feel safe and protected and that their physical needs should be the first ones covered for learning to be promoted. Hours offered for the teaching of English in the first grade (1 hour/week) as related to the initial programming which was implemented on a trial basis for the 800 schools which involved 2-3 hours/week and as related to the efficiency of offering just one hour/week-research into relevant literature about the hours needed for the teaching of a foreign language to very young learners) Size of classes and how it affects the teaching/ learning process- research into relevant literature. Efficiency of Greek EFL teachers training on teaching VYLs offered by the Greek government/ministry of education- practical or a utopia? Greek EFL teachers actual training on ICT ( this discussion should be related to the benefits of involving technology in the teaching of a foreign language as well as the Greek ministrys directive for integrating computer technology into the teaching of very young learners and as related to the actual facilities existing in Greek primary schools.)