1. Play the video below to start this lesson.
. . Please wait a few seconds for the video to load
2. We have created a podcast to complement this lesson.
TEFL Demonstration Lessons Podcast - five minutes
Click on the link to play the podcast: Demonstration Lessons in EFL
3. Basic Concepts
Some employers will ask you to present a "TEFL Demonstration Lesson" as part of the interview process. This is a common practice, especially in teaching EFL. While this can be an uncomfortable proposition, often with "fake' students, this is not something to be feared. In fact, it is a chance to show off what you know.
Schools are not necessarily looking for a perfect teacher as much as they are looking for someone who is friendly and outgoing and is able to structure a decent lesson.
When you are requested to give a demonstration lesson, ask for whom the lesson is intended, their skill level, the intended target language or topic and the length of the time of the lesson. Often you will be allowed to determine most of these things.
Once you know the details, design a simple lesson plan for that lesson and keep it simple. Be sure to take two copies of it (with any handouts attached) to the demonstration lesson, one for you, one for the interviewers.
Follow your lesson plan carefully, make sure your board work looks sharp, be sure to minimize teacher talk time, put on a big smile, dress appropriately and most likely, the job will be yours. You may teach the full lesson but most likely the interviewers will tell you to stop within ten or fifteen minutes.
Practice your lesson repeatedly before going to the demonstration lesson, ideally with another teacher giving you feedback.
Below is a short video with advice from an academic director. She has some good ideas.
