This document discusses the concept of "oomph factor" in teaching. It defines oomph factor as elements that can add energy and engagement to classes. The document encourages teachers to reflect on elements that give lessons oomph during a session. These elements could include topics, materials, activities, teacher behavior, lesson shape, in-class decisions, strong starts, and finishing lessons on a high note. After the session, teachers will share the oomph elements they identified. References are provided on presence, push, flow, not interfering, and demand high teaching sessions.

1. Searching for the
oomph factor
Matt Kendrick, IH Santa Clara

2. Oomph factor
During the session, think about the
elements which can add oomph to
classes.
We’ll share these at the end of
the session.
During the session, think about the
elements which can add oomph to
classes.
We’ll share these at the end of
the session.
Planning During the lesson After the lesson
reflections

3. Oomph factor
IH Palma de Mallorca, May, 2004

4. • Defining oomph
• Benefits
• CPD
• Elements
Oomph factor

5. Oomph factor
Topics
Materials
Activities
Teacher behaviour
Lesson shape
In class decisions
Strong start
Finishing on a high
Guardian Teachers TV: From Good to Outstanding

6. Oomph factor
Planning During the lesson Post-lesson reflections

7. Oomph factor
Planning During the lesson Post-lesson reflections
Affective factors Share aims Gauge levels of student
involvement over the lesson
Outcome Attention Effect of my interventions / non-
interventions
Engagement Push Flow
A strong start Look out for learning
opportunities
Your voice
Interaction Pick up on what Ls say Your movement
Consider your roles Room for thought, reflection
Challenge When to move on
Realistic load Monitor energy levels
Lesson shape Alert
Balance Get Ls to reflect / get feedback
End of on a high Revisiting aims

8. Oomph factor - references
Prodromou & Clandfield, Dealing with Difficulties (DELTA, 2007)
Thornbury, Big questions in ELT (The Round, 2013), An A-Z of ELT (blog)
especially: P is for presence, P is for push F is for flow N is for Not interfering
Guardian Teachers TV: From Good to Outstanding video
ELT Chat summaries from topics: What makes a lesson great?
The Six Abilities for Competent Teachers
Scrivener and Underhill, Demand High Sessions at IH DoS Conference 2013
Demand High 1 Demand High 2 and blog
IH Madrid teachers, Getting to the core: what is a good teacher?
International House Journal
Suan Chong, My Trainees’ 10 (+1) maxims of teaching, International House
Journal
Grant, Disappearing Act, Reflective Teaching Blog

9. Searching for the
oomph factor
Matt Kendrick, IH Santa Clara
@mattkendrickelt

10. Searching for the
oomph factor
Matt Kendrick, IH Santa Clara
@mattkendrickelt