Table of Contents
Introduction
Demand-High Teaching is a dynamic and thought-provoking approach to education that challenges teachers to raise the bar for their students by setting high expectations and offering targeted support.
Developed by Jim Scrivener and Adrian Underhill, this method emphasizes the idea that teachers should demand more from their students, focusing on pushing them beyond their comfort zones to unlock their full potential.
In this blog post, we will explore the principles of Demand-High Teaching, its benefits, and how it can be implemented in the English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom.
What Is Demand-High Teaching?
Demand-High Teaching is not about overloading students with tasks or overwhelming them with unrealistic expectations. Instead, it’s about identifying the “next step” in a student’s learning journey and providing them with the right amount of challenge to help them progress.
The approach emphasizes:
- High Expectations: Believing that every student can achieve more with the right guidance.
- Targeted Feedback: Offering constructive feedback that addresses individual learning gaps.
- Deep Engagement: Encouraging students to think critically, reflect, and fully engage with the material.
- Stretching Students: Avoiding superficial learning by focusing on activities that demand deeper understanding and higher-order thinking skills.
Why Adopt Demand-High Teaching in the EFL Classroom?
Demand-High Teaching is particularly effective in EFL classrooms because it tackles common challenges, such as superficial learning and lack of motivation. Here’s why it works:
- Encourages Active Participation: Students are more likely to engage when tasks are challenging but achievable.
- Builds Confidence: By gradually increasing the level of difficulty, students gain confidence in their abilities.
- Focuses on Individual Needs: Teachers can tailor tasks and feedback to address specific weaknesses.
- Promotes Critical Thinking: Demand-High tasks often require analysis, synthesis, and evaluation, which help students develop language skills at a deeper level.
Why Demand-High Teaching Matters?
The teaching landscape has become increasingly lightweight, often lacking the rigor needed for deeper learning. High-Demand Teachers advocate for a shift, emphasizing the need to challenge students, push them further, and encourage harder work. Demand-High Teaching is not a specific method or approach—it’s a call for higher quality regardless of the teaching methodology. It involves probing deeper and seizing opportunities to promote significant learning and language acquisition.
Strategies for Implementing Demand-High Teaching
1. Identify the Learning Plateau
Many students reach a point where their progress slows down. As a teacher, observe your students closely to identify these plateaus. Ask yourself:
- Are they repeating familiar language without improvement?
- Are they avoiding risks in speaking or writing?
2. Set Challenging but Achievable Goals
Set goals that stretch students beyond their current abilities. For example:
- Encourage intermediate students to use complex sentences instead of sticking to basic structures.
- Ask advanced students to debate abstract topics or write persuasive essays.
3. Use Probing Questions
Challenge students’ thinking by asking probing questions. For example:
- Instead of accepting a one-word answer, ask, “Why do you think that?” or “Can you explain further?”
- Encourage students to justify their answers or provide examples.
4. Incorporate Reflective Activities
Reflection helps students understand their own learning process. Activities could include:
- Journaling about their progress.
- Self-assessment checklists.
- Group discussions about challenges and successes.
5. Provide Specific Feedback
Instead of general feedback like “Good job,” offer targeted advice:
- “Your pronunciation of ‘thought’ is improving, but let’s focus on the ‘th’ sound to make it clearer.”
- “Your essay is well-structured, but try to use more linking words like ‘however’ or ‘therefore’ to improve coherence.”
6. Create High-Impact Activities
Design activities that push students to their limits:
- Task-Based Learning (TBL): Assign real-world tasks that require collaboration and critical thinking.
- Problem-Solving Activities: Present scenarios where students must brainstorm and negotiate solutions.
- Role-Plays and Simulations: Immerse students in authentic contexts that demand improvisation and quick thinking.
Challenges of Demand-High Teaching
While Demand-High Teaching offers numerous benefits, it’s not without challenges. Teachers may face:
- Resistance from Students: Some students may feel uncomfortable stepping out of their comfort zones.
- Time Constraints: Designing high-impact activities and providing detailed feedback can be time-consuming.
- Teacher Training Needs: Teachers may require additional training to effectively implement this approach.
These challenges can be addressed through clear communication, gradual implementation, and ongoing professional development.
Conclusion
Demand-High Teaching offers a powerful framework for fostering deeper learning and maximizing student potential in the EFL classroom. By setting high expectations, providing targeted feedback, and designing activities that challenge students, teachers can help learners overcome plateaus and achieve their language goals. As educators, embracing this approach requires a commitment to continuous learning and a belief in the potential of every student.
Have you tried implementing Demand-High Teaching in your classroom?
Related Pages
- Methods and Approaches to Language Teaching
- Teaching Articles
- What Is Applied Linguistics? 9 Examples That Define, Inspire, And Unleash The Power Of Applied Linguistics
- Differentiated Instruction: Meeting The Diverse Needs Of Learners
- Effective Lesson Planning For English Language Classrooms
- How To Teach Writing Skills To ESL And EFL Students
In the following presentation, Jim Scrivener explains the rationale behind this tweak to language methods and approaches he feels necessary.
