TEFL Classroom Management — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'TTT' stand for when referring to classroom management rather than lesson design?
- Teacher Talk Time (Correct answer)
- Total Teaching Technique
- Timed Task Training
- Test-Teach-Test
Correct answer: Teacher Talk Time
In classroom management, TTT refers to Teacher Talk Time — the amount of time the teacher speaks versus students.
Question 2: What is the ideal teacher-to-student talk ratio in a communicative EFL classroom?
- 80% teacher, 20% student
- 50% teacher, 50% student
- 20-30% teacher, 70-80% student (Correct answer)
- Equal distribution with structured turns
Correct answer: 20-30% teacher, 70-80% student
Communicative classrooms aim for low TTT so students have maximum opportunity to practice English.
Question 3: Which classroom grouping arrangement is most effective for encouraging student–student interaction?
- Rows facing the board
- Horseshoe or U-shape seating (Correct answer)
- Individual desks spread apart
- Teacher at front, students in back
Correct answer: Horseshoe or U-shape seating
A U-shape arrangement allows students to see and talk to each other easily while the teacher can reach all learners.
Question 4: What is 'concept checking' in TEFL classroom management?
- Asking 'Do you understand?' after an explanation
- Using targeted questions to verify that students have grasped the meaning of language (Correct answer)
- Reviewing previous lesson vocabulary
- Checking that students have their books
Correct answer: Using targeted questions to verify that students have grasped the meaning of language
Concept checking questions (CCQs) probe understanding indirectly, avoiding the useless 'Do you understand?' which students often answer 'yes' to regardless.
Question 5: What is the purpose of 'instruction checking questions' (ICQs) in classroom management?
- To assess grammar knowledge before a task
- To ensure students understand what they are supposed to do before starting an activity (Correct answer)
- To check that the teacher explained clearly
- To quiz students on previous lesson content
Correct answer: To ensure students understand what they are supposed to do before starting an activity
ICQs confirm that learners understand the task instructions before they begin, preventing wasted time and confusion.
Question 6: When is the best time to distribute handouts during a lesson?
- At the very start of class so students can read ahead
- Immediately before the activity that requires them (Correct answer)
- At the end of the lesson for homework
- During the warm-up stage
Correct answer: Immediately before the activity that requires them
Distributing materials just before they are needed prevents distraction and keeps student focus on the current task.
TEFL Classroom Management
What does 'TTT' stand for when referring to classroom management rather than lesson design?