English courses, strict teachers, and grade transitions often bring about unexpected changes in students’ learning experiences. For many students, the transition from Grade 8 to Grade 9 in English courses has been anything but smooth. The once-loved subject has now turned into a source of stress and resistance. This shift is not only disheartening for students but also calls for a closer examination of what exactly is going wrong.
The Impact of Strict Teaching Styles
In Grade 9, teachers often adopt stricter teaching methods. While the intention is to prepare students for more challenging exams and higher academic standards, the result can be counterproductive. For example, some teachers focus solely on grammar rules and rote memorization, leaving little room for creativity and fun. This approach can make the learning process feel like a chore rather than an enjoyable exploration of the language. According to How to Create an Engaging Classroom on TeachThought, an engaging teaching style is crucial for maintaining students’ interest in the subject.
The Burden of Heavy Homework
In addition to strict teaching styles, the heavy homework load in Grade 9 English courses is another major factor contributing to the decline in students’ experience. With piles of exercises, essays, and reading assignments, students often find themselves overwhelmed. As a result, they may lose the motivation to learn. They no longer have the time or energy to enjoy the beauty of the English language. Instead, they are constantly rushing to meet deadlines. This excessive workload not only affects their academic performance but also their overall well-being. As stated on The Negative Effects of Homework on Students on NEA, excessive homework can have detrimental effects on students.
The combination of strict teaching and heavy homework has created a perfect storm, pushing students away from the English courses they once loved. However, there is hope. By finding a balance between teaching rigor and learning fun, educators can help students regain their enthusiasm for English. Teachers can incorporate more interactive activities, such as group discussions, role-playing, and multimedia resources, into their lessons. This way, students can learn in a more relaxed and enjoyable environment.
Readability guidance: As we’ve seen, short paragraphs and lists can effectively summarize key points. For example, under each H2, we presented the issues clearly. We also controlled the use of passive语态 and long sentences. Throughout the article, transition words like ‘however’, ‘in addition’, and ‘for example’ were used to make the flow more natural.
