Rules for teachers in the classroom

What makes an English teacher truly effective? Does success lie in delivering perfectly structured lessons? 

In reality, effective ESL teaching is not just about subject knowledge — it’s also about the principles that help create a supportive and engaging learning environment for the students.

It’s not just about what you teach, but how you teach it. 

Your behaviour, communication style, and classroom management play a crucial role in shaping students’ motivation, confidence, and willingness to learn. 

In this article, we’ll explore the rules of teaching that ESL teachers have to follow. 

These principles will improve the effectiveness of your lessons and turn your classroom into a truly immersive language-learning experience.

Yes, I understand that some of your students may look at you from day one as if you’ve just started speaking Elvish. That’s perfectly normal. But one thing never fails: the best way to learn English is through English.

Switching to the native language is a slippery slope. At first, you explain a grammar point, then you clarify something just to make sure they really get it, and then before you know it, half the lesson has been taught in their native language. 

The students feel comfortable, it’s easier for you, but the outcome? Nothing.

In fact, that's why you are a teacher - to show that understanding comes through context, not Google Translate.

Have you ever finished a lesson with a dry throat, just as your students were finally starting to speak? If so, you’re probably using too much Teacher Talking Time (TTT).

What does this mean? You might be explaining the topic multiple times while your students passively nod and take notes. But that’s not how they learn English.

And this is our goal — to get them talking.

To learn how to strike the right balance between TTT and STT in the classroom, read our blog on this topic.

Every teacher has two main fears: a chaotic classroom and a lesson where everyone sits in silence, staring at the floor. 

Striking the right balance between these two opposites is a real skill.

But if you have a strict approach and switch to ‘dictator mode,’ the lesson can turn into a dull monologue, making students too afraid to participate.

Having a structured lesson plan is essential, but in reality, lessons don’t always go as planned. 

Students may struggle with a topic, engage in a lively discussion, or ask a question that shifts the direction of the lesson. And that’s completely normal.

For example, if students are interested in a topic, give them more chances to speak or have extra activities ready, like a game or an alternative task. 

Flexibility doesn’t mean a lack of structure — on the contrary, it’s the ability to adapt while keeping the lesson effective and engaging. 

Following rules for teaching means knowing when to adjust and when to stick to the plan.

Imagine telling a friend about a film: "It was alright… but the ending didn’t make sense." Does that provide any useful information? Not really. 

Now imagine you’re a teacher and you say to a student: "Well done!" or "Try harder." What do they actually learn from that? Absolutely nothing.

Instead of just saying "Good answer," say "You explained the main idea clearly, but adding some examples would make it even stronger." 

Students should understand what they did well, what needs improvement, and how to improve it.

"Today, we’re going to learn the Present Perfect Continuous," says a teacher to a class that has barely grasped the Past Simple. 

At this point, their motivation starts to drop.

Following the textbook is fine, but if students can’t apply what they learn in real life, the knowledge remains theoretical and unused.

If you still think TikTok is just about dancing and memes, it’s time to update your perspective. 

Students come to class with their own interests, hobbies, and experience already in place.

They listen to certain music, watch specific TV series, and spend time on particular social media platforms. 

All of this can (and should!) be incorporated into lessons. 

Learning new vocabulary through song lyrics, practising grammar with character dialogues, or discussing trending topics as part of speaking practice makes learning more engaging and relevant.

By the way, online courses for English teachers offer the flexibility to study anytime and anywhere. 

They help you enhance your teaching skills, expand your qualifications, and earn an official certificate to validate your professional expertise.

Consider this — how can someone share their thoughts if they're afraid of being laughed at?

A safe atmosphere means that admitting uncertainty doesn’t imply a lack of intelligence, and facing failure doesn’t mean giving up is the only option. 

It’s about ensuring that every student feels their ideas are valued — even if they seem a bit unconventional.

Admitting mistakes or uncertainty, like saying you got something wrong or suggesting to check together, doesn’t weaken your authority. 

In fact, it’s the best way to show that making mistakes is a natural part of learning.

When a student asks for help and you give them the answer, it feels great — but isn’t it even more rewarding when they figure it out themselves and explain it to a classmate?

Autonomy is about students developing the ability to find information, think critically, analyse, and draw conclusions without constantly asking how to do the task or what to do next. 

Your role isn’t just to provide knowledge, but to equip them with the skills to apply it. For example, when a student asks for help, try responding with a question that encourages them to think. 

Allow students to make their own decisions. Even if they’re not always correct, at least they’ll learn through experience.

Every student learns at their own pace, has unique strengths and challenges, and absorbs information in different ways. 

These are not just preferences but essential differences in how people learn.

So, what can you do? Adapt your teaching strategies. 

Incorporate more visual elements — diagrams, illustrations, and mind maps. 

Use role-playing and discussions for those who retain information better through communication. 

The key is to provide students with options and the flexibility to learn in ways that suit them best.

A teacher is more than just a source of knowledge — they are a model for classroom behaviour. Students watch, listen, and imitate. 

You can emphasise the importance of respect, but if you interrupt students, they will take note of your actions rather than your words. 

You expect punctuality but frequently arrive late? Then why should they adhere to the schedule?

If you want a calm and respectful classroom, avoid raising your voice, even in difficult situations. 

If you wish to encourage engagement and initiative, show genuine enthusiasm, take an interest in students’ opinions, and reinforce their contributions with positive feedback.

In conclusion, rules for teachers are not restrictions, but the foundation of effective learning. 

They help create an environment where students feel comfortable, know what is expected of them, and can focus on learning. 

It is important not only to set rules for teachers, but also to follow them consistently, while remaining flexible and open to the needs of the class.