An English class is often a boring and tedious session for the learners. Boredom is, undoubtedly, one of the greatest barriers to successful learning. Both positive and negative feelings may accompany learners and teachers while trying to deal with a second language. However, teachers often fail to perceive this and try to cover the so-called syllabus ignoring the   situation of the learners.  Learners’ concentration starts decreasing exponentially just the moment it gets monotonous. At times, it affects the motivation of teachers too. So, we need to take it seriously. 

Concentration levels of the students may fluctuate for several reasons such as i) when a topic appears difficult, ii) or, when they do not grasp the topic because of their weak base in English (iii) or, when they are hungry (iv) or, when their mind remains occupied with others thoughts, (iv) or, when they cannot relate the subject matter with their lives, (v) or, when they just know how to pass the exam and get a certificate.  In Bangladeshi classrooms, diverse issues appear as one class accommodates various types of learners ranging from zero bases to strong ones. However, as English teachers we must keep up the motivation to deal with them.

It also happens to some teachers that students just fall in the flow and listen without blinking and without getting distracted for a split second when they conduct classes. However, this depends on subject matter and other factors surrounding them all.  Teachers today are trying to be more creative in their classes as they have become acquainted with various types of effective techniques. They now try to use board games, digital games and other techniques to teach children about scientific concepts and English grammar in interesting ways. Some teachers crack a joke, talk about a practical application, give some examples of real life, ask questions to the students to keep them busy. Still, boredom in English classes persists!

Students with diverse abilities come to the classroom. Considering this point in mind, we need to take preparation, set our activities and do exercises to satisfy their different demands. Students with diverse abilities might need more time to process the information. A lesson might need more differentiation in delivery to help students with varying abilities. It is our responsibility to develop an atmosphere of empathy for students in the classroom where they could share ideas, ask questions and find solutions to their problems. A collaborative environment is a hot ticket for students and a teacher to kick out boredom and disinterest. Students go off on a tangent and become easily susceptible to distraction when they are not dealt politely or their questions and queries go unheard in the classroom. Boredom has a super negative effect on the academic performance of the students and teachers’ motivation.

We need to remember that no student wants to leave the class unhappy. So, the teacher’s role is of immense importance. It is essential to make all students engage in an interactive activity to improve their complex problem-solving skills. Children must be allowed to take a break after every few minutes to let themselves re-energise to concentrate on the topics and assignments. A student can be more innovative when he or she is asked to implement real-life examples in the preparation of an assignment. This practice is incredibly helpful for students. It makes it a lot easier for them to solve complicated formulas. By participating in such activities, students with limited information could excel in those areas of studies which may appear as tough as a nut to crack. Jumping, standing, and stretching enable students to relieve fatigue. We should allow them to do these reading the situation and mind of the students. It is also the truth that a healthy body equals a healthy mind. Keeping boredom away is nigh impossible for most of the students. Unfortunately, they are bound to feel bored during activities that they do not enjoy at all. Here, we as teachers need to construct positive habits like pro-activity, punctuality, and cleanliness in students to help them curb the malaise of distraction and get freedom from boredom.

Students enjoy classes when they are presented with something new. An efficient teacher better understands the importance of varying routines. Boredom is an evil distractor and the key reason for failed performance. It ruins learning and hampers students’ mental capabilities. We must be aware of the fact that some students may find the subject too challenging or too easy, depending on their level of proficiency. Some may not enjoy the literature and writing assignments that are typically part of an English curriculum, while others may struggle with grammar and vocabulary. We need to think of exercises and activities suitable to their status and needs.

In conclusion, we can say that boredom in an English learning classroom is not inevitable. We can create a lively, engaging learning environment by introducing variety, adapting to student needs, and keeping lessons interactive.  If we can really bring diversity in our English classroom, we will be able to see a difference in students’ participation and enthusiasm whatever mixed-ability class it may be.

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The writer is the President, English Teachers’ Association of Bangladesh.

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