Less than superb performance

This lesson I gave a less than superb performance. The slot had increased from 30 to 40 minutes, and I had left parts of the lesson unscripted. I had a general idea of what I wanted to get through, but I made no attempt during the lesson to check the clock and/or lesson plan to see if I was on track. Also I had decided to allow the lesson's course to be decided somewhat during the lesson itself. I guess that isn't such a universally bad thing, but what this meant was that I was more than happy to follow up each and every diverting path, which left the lesson feeling rather unfocussed. Also, all these diversions happened during the opening, Teacher-centric portion of the class (during which I provided a narrative to elicit and teach new vocabulary) which was already too long. I was trying to teach too much vocabulary.

That aside we had two good slots in the morning about teaching listening and lexis. And my lesson plan for today's lesson was good at least (even if i failed to follow it's impeccable timing.)

One thing that is hitting me is that CELTA teaches you strategies for effective teaching, rather than how to teach English per se. I really need an excellent English-language analysis text that I can read, so that when students ask me things about the language I know. Maybe there doesn't exist such a single volume. Had trouble today trying to teach the difference between 'journey' and 'trip'. You might think they are synonymous until you remember your journey to Germany last year, or was that your trip to Germany?