Managing monkeys in the ELT classroom

Abstract

The value of adopting a learner-centred approach to ELT classroom management is nowdays widely accepted. However, one important means of achieving this, namely effective ‘monkey management’, or the correct assignment of responsiblity for the next step in a problem-solving process (Blanchard et al.1990), does not appear to have received the attention it deserves. This article attempts to show how the monkey concepts can provide teachers with useful insights and practical procedures for developing a more learner-centred classroom management style. First of all, I outline the monkey concept, illustrate the typical behaviour of the monkey in ELT, and indicate some of the problems it can cause in the classroom. I then go on to consider why these problems occur. Finally, I discuss several strategies for coping successfully with ELT classroom monkeys and thereby facilitating a more learner-centred approach to ELT classroom management.