Introduction

In this chapter, I'll look at some factors that we all have to bear in mind when we plan lessons and courses, factors which will differ from setting to setting. I'll look at external variables such as the type of organisation and the type of class, whether it's heterogeneous, very large, very small, exam or a substitute class. I'll also mention the sheer unpredictability of work that includes people (including ourselves!) as its main ingredient. In that section I'll work from the give and take of a normal class to classes whose students don't like each other, through classes that are a bit undisciplined, and on to the sort of pleasant and unpleasant surprises that can constitute a complete hijack! In each case I'll suggest that the feature can constitute a freedom or a constraint and I'll also suggest some practical principles for working with it.

External variables

Type of organisation

Your teaching life will be affected by the type of institution you work in, whether it's a primary or secondary school, an after-school language club, a private language school or university, a secondary or vocational school. More important than the type of institution though will be its ‘organisational culture’, that is, its normal practices and attitudes. For example, is there clear communication in your organisation?