Summary of CELTA - The Ultimate Guide to Instruction Checking Questions (or ICQs)

Summary of Main Ideas

Importance of Clear Instructions:
Clear instructions are essential in Teaching, particularly in online environments. Teachers need to ensure that students understand what is expected of them.
Understanding Confirmation:
Simply asking students if they understand is often unhelpful, as they may respond affirmatively for various reasons, including embarrassment or misunderstanding.
Instruction Checking Questions (ICQs):
ICQs are specific questions designed to confirm understanding. They should be simple and focused on the key aspects of the task. Overusing ICQs can be counterproductive and may come off as patronizing or confusing.
Tailoring ICQs:
Instead of asking multiple questions about the task, focus on the most challenging aspects. For example, if students might only use one suggestion, ask if they should use all provided options.
Demonstration as a Method:
For complex tasks, demonstrating with a stronger student can clarify expectations. This can involve Role-Playing scenarios to illustrate how to use the target language effectively. Involving weaker students in demonstrations can also help them learn in a supportive environment.
Time Investment for Clarity:
While it may take time to ensure all students understand the instructions, it is beneficial to invest that time to facilitate smoother group work later.

Using ICQs Effectively:
- Ask short, easy-to-answer questions that focus on the critical parts of the task.
- Avoid overwhelming students with too many questions.
Demonstration Technique:
- Select a stronger student to model the task.
- Engage in a role-play that incorporates the target language.
- Involve other students in the demonstration to provide varied examples and support.
Assessing Understanding:
- After providing instructions, check comprehension through ICQs rather than open-ended questions.
- Use demonstration to clarify complex tasks.