How to encourage your teenage students to become independent learners

Nicola Pope
An overhead shot of a three children with notepads, tablets and phones on the table being handled by them

Learning is a lifelong activity regardless of age, position, or ambition. Many teachers embody this philosophy themselves – and would like nothing more than for their teenage students to develop strategies to become independent learners.

But teachers often feel frustrated when their students rely on them too much or show a lack of motivation and focus in the classroom.

Let’s look at how to start a project that holds your students’ attention. We’ll also go into how you can help your students practice and develop a range of English language skills at the same time.

The benefits of starting a project that interests your students

Group projects are motivating because they give students a common objective to work towards. The need to work as part of a team teaches teens collaboration skills, such as accountability. When learners decide on roles within their groups it soon becomes apparent just how important it is for them to be responsible and do their part.

Project work also often encourages students to push themselves beyond their comfort zones as they try and test new skills. This is often true when learners are required to present on a topic or learn how to do something practical (like using PowerPoint or Google Slides for presentation design).
In addition, projects can test a variety of English language and 21st century skills such as:

  • critical thinking skills (for planning and development of ideas)
  • topic/subject-specific vocabulary
  • reading and listening comprehension (for researching)
  • speaking skills (for group work)
  • creative skills (for project development and production)
  • presenting skills (for the final delivery of the project)

Furthermore, when projects take place over several classes, students often eventually get into a routine and seek less direction from the teacher. They know what needs to be done and get on with it in their groups. Of course, you will still need to monitor and offer guidance throughout the project.

The key elements of an independent learning project

Find a meaningful subject matter

First, you’ll need to start with a topic that engages your students. To discover this, put students in groups (online in breakout rooms or in the classroom) and have them work together and mind map some local, national or global problems they would like to solve. For example:

  • The local theater has closed down and they want to set up a new drama club.
  • There is a lot of pollution in the capital city and they want to help reduce it.
  • The rainforest is being deforested and they want to create awareness.

After they have a good-sized list, instruct each group to pick something they would like to learn more about. Alternatively, if your students are unlikely to find interesting problems to solve themselves, provide them with several short-level-appropriate reading materials about topics you think will catch their attention. That way they can learn about local or international issues and choose a project focus.

Balancing guidance and instruction

A vital goal of this project-based approach is to encourage students to be independent. That does not mean they should have no boundaries or objectives, however.

You’ll need to set deadlines, tell them what you expect of them, and explain how they should present their projects at the end. And depending on their levels, your students will also need a certain amount of scaffolding. You can do this using a set of questions. For example:

  1. What is the main problem you want to solve?
  2. Who does it affect?
  3. Why is it important to change?
  4. What steps could you take to solve the issue?
  5. Who could help you do this?
  6. How could we do this as a group?
  7. How can we present the issue to make people care about it?

These questions can form the basis of the project, which can last from one to several weeks, depending on their age, level and time restraints. Adapt the questions to suit your students and the specific needs of their projects.

Facilitating teamwork

Encourage students to work together to plan, research and present their ideas. Set days or classes by which certain project elements must be completed. This helps ensure that the students make progress and encourages them to ask you questions if they are stuck.

Decide whether you want to give set times during your classes to work on the project, or whether you want to dedicate entire classes to their work. Also, think about how much work should be completed in your student's own time. Their workload, level of English, and access to technology will all impact your decision.

For example:

  • Class one: Define the problem you want to solve. Consider what you need to find out, decide on individual roles and develop an action plan. Show the teacher your progress.
  • Class two: Research your project questions and share what you find with the group. Is there anything else you need to know? Show the teacher your progress.
  • Class three: Come up with a presentation outline and begin to work on it.
  • Homework: Each work on your individual presentation section.
  • Class four: Show the teacher your progress. Practice your presentations.
  • Class five: Practice and then deliver your presentations.

You may wish to allow students the freedom to choose how they would like to present it. Give instructions on how long you expect the presentation to be. If working remotely, collaboration tools such as Google Docs, and are excellent for facilitating teamwork.

Here are some ways you might ask them to present:

  • a poster and presentation
  • an online presentation (e.g. using PowerPoint)
  • a website (on paper or online)
  • a video presentation
  • a theatrical production
  • a podcast episode.

Keep in mind that the objective is to help them research, present and deliver a project in English. Check in regularly on progress and provide feedback and help whenever needed.

While it’s important to monitor and guide them with the English language as they work, it’s also crucial to let students make decisions for themselves.

Read our post 'Seven ways to develop independent learners'.

Check out our GSE Educator resources to help level up your teaching

More blogs from app

  • a teacher stood with two students sat a desk

    What’s it like to teach English in Spain?

    By Steffanie Zazulak
    Reading time: 2 minutes

    Tim Marsh has been teaching English since 1985 and has taught over 3,500 students, with ages ranging from six to 65. He is therefore well placed to describe teaching English as a “difficult and demanding” job, as well as to share the five lessons he’s learned during his impressive time in his career…

    1. Know your stuff

    “The Spanish expect paid professionals to know everything about their expertise but there are few teachers of the English language who do know everything. We should prepare lessons adequately when teaching aspects we’re not entirely confident about.

    Many CELTA tutors say that if you are asked a question that you cannot answer confidently, you shouldn’t panic but instead inform the student that you will check and give them the detailed answer at the following lesson. This may be useful when you first start out, but it shouldn’t happen frequently, as your honesty will not always be appreciated!”

    2. Expect the unexpected

    “Teaching English is very rewarding and can be full of surprises. As a result, it’s not a good idea to try to follow a rigid teaching plan. Write a plan that’s flexible enough to allow for a good dose of spontaneity to enter into proceedings. I can honestly say that not one single day is the same as another.

    If a Spaniard is not in the mood for working on a particular skill, as will happen from time to time, then be prepared to change that lesson at the drop of a hat. It’s always a good idea to keep four or five ‘favourite’ lessons filed within easy reach for just such occasions – preferably skills lessons that can be easily adapted to the theme that you are currently working on.

    Whatever you had planned for this week can always be done next week. The customer is always right and, when living in Spain, big lunches, high temperatures, Barcelona against Real Madrid and the after-match party can bring about very unexpected lessons!”

    3. Stick to what you’re being paid to do

    “The Spanish are extremely friendly people who love to talk and are happy to share – sometimes in great detail – the problems in their working and even private lives. In an effort to establish friendly relationships, they often create an intimacy: what is referred to in Spanish as ‘confianza’.

    This is much the same kind of trust and confidence that we have with our doctors or lawyers, so, unless you’re careful, you can find yourself doubling as teacher and therapist, which will alter the dynamic of the classroom.

    A teacher of English teaches English. Stick to what you know, stick to what you’re being paid to do and create a professional framework in which to do your best as a teacher and not as a therapist.”

    4. Do not offer guarantees

    “The busiest time of the year is often during the summer, when language schools begin to fill up as state-school exam results come in. Parents enroll their children on intensive or exam revision courses so that they can take their resits in September.

    English courses are often expensive and parents will expect a guarantee that their child will pass the school English exam at the end of the summer. Never offer a guarantee! There are usually a number of reasons why the child has failed in the first place and it is better to lose a client than to make promises you can’t keep.”

    5. Have a good pair of shoes

    “Many years ago, the famous soprano Rita Hunter was asked what she considered to be the most important requirement when singing opera. She answered, “A good pair of shoes.” She went on to say that when she was appearing in a Wagner opera that started at 5.30 pm and didn’t finish until 11 pm, the most important thing to look after was her feet.

    I’ve always tried to avoid institutions that insist on a uniform or on wearing a shirt and tie. Students often feel uncomfortable in a classroom where the teacher is formally dressed. I have always found the working environment much more relaxed when dressed in a similar way to my students. This and the fact that in Spain the temperature can hit the 30s in June and stay there into September mean that I dress casually, often in shorts. And I always wear a good pair of shoes.”

  • A business woman stood in front of a board of sticky notes, with others looking at the sticky notes.

    Start-up guide: Language training for your business

    By Samantha Ball
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    As HR professionals, you understand the importance of equipping your workforce with the skills they need to thrive. One such critical skill is proficiency in business English. Implementing a corporate language training program can seem daunting, but with the right resources and a clear plan, you can set your organization on a path to success. Here’s a methodical guide to help you get started with resources to help you along the way.

  • woman working on a laptop

    Why use Smart Lesson Generator?

    By Thomas Gardner
    Reading time: 4 minutes

    Teachers juggle many responsibilities and often find themselves with limited time for lesson planning. Your solution? Smart Lesson Generator is the fast, connected and effective way to plan lesson activities, so you can get back to doing what you love – teaching. Smart Lesson Generator is an AI-powered tool designed to support educators by streamlining lesson planning and creating engaging, pedagogically-sound content. Here’s why you should consider integrating this tool into your teaching toolkit.

    Save time and focus on teaching

    One of the most significant challenges teachers face is the overwhelming amount of time spent on planning and administrative tasks. Smart Lesson Generator addresses this issue head-on by enabling teachers to create high-quality lesson activities in just 60 seconds. This time-saving feature allows educators to dedicate more time to engaging with their students and delivering impactful lessons.

    Ensure content relevance and engagement

    Creating relevant and engaging content is crucial for effective teaching. The Smart Lesson Generator empowers teachers to tailor lesson activities to the specific needs and interests of their students. Whether you’re adapting content based on current events or cultural relevance, the tool ensures that your lessons are always up-to-date and engaging.

    Provide differentiated instruction

    Catering to a diverse classroom with varying abilities can be challenging. Smart Lesson Generator supports differentiated instruction by offering stretch activities for advanced students and remediation activities for those needing additional support. This feature ensures that all students, regardless of their proficiency level, receive the appropriate level of challenge and support, fostering a more inclusive and effective learning environment.

    Pedagogically sound

    As educators, I think we can all agree there is a need for effective AI-tools that are designed by teaching experts. Smart Lesson Generator is aligned with app courses and the Global Scale of English (GSE) framework, ensuring that all generated activities are pedagogically sound and level appropriate. This alignment guarantees that the content you deliver is not only engaging but also meets rigorous educational standards, providing a reliable foundation for student learning.

    Explore a variety of activity types

    Smart Lesson Generator currently offers six activity types - with more in development - to cater to different teacher needs and styles. These include:

    • Lesson hook: Engaging warmers to introduce lesson topics and activate prior knowledge
    • Communication starter: Activities designed to promote student interaction and communication skills
    • Reading activity: Additional reading practice aligned with lesson content or personalized topics
    • Exit ticket: Formative assessment tools to evaluate student understanding and encourage reflection
    • Grammar presentation: Support for mastering key language points relevant to the lesson
    • Vocabulary presentation: Activities to enhance vocabulary acquisition and usage

    Personalize the learning experience

    Every classroom is unique, and Smart Lesson Generator allows you to create personalized learning experiences tailored to your students' needs. By generating content based on app courses or personalized topics, you can ensure that each lesson is relevant and engaging for your students. This personalization fosters a more dynamic and effective learning environment where students are more likely to stay engaged and motivated.

    Embrace the future of teaching with Smart Lesson Generator and experience the transformative power of AI in education. Save time, enhance engagement and deliver high-quality, personalized lessons that make a lasting impact on your students.