How to teach an ESL class (English as a Second Language)

Summary

This video provides a comprehensive framework for teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). With 15 years of teaching experience, Eric outlines practical strategies for getting students to speak confidently, manage classroom energy, and create engaging lessons. Key points include building relationships, using varied teaching methods like Total Physical Response (TPR) and games, and ensuring routine and structure in the classroom. Eric emphasizes the importance of fostering connections with students' experiences and providing a supportive, interactive environment for practice and review, all designed to enhance learning and motivate ESL students to improve their speaking skills.

Takeaways

• 😀 Start with a warm and friendly greeting to create a welcoming classroom atmosphere, making students feel comfortable and confident to speak.
• 😀 Establish clear classroom routines and procedures, ensuring students know what to expect and feel secure in their learning environment.
• 😀 Focus on helping students improve their speaking skills as this is the most valued skill in language learning and will build their confidence.
• 😀 Use engaging activities like group discussions, partner work, and games to encourage students to practice speaking and interact with the material.
• 😀 Slow down your speaking speed to about 70% of normal pace, especially in the beginning, to ensure students can follow along and understand.
• 😀 Use Total Physical Response (TPR) to reinforce learning by adding physical gestures to vocabulary and concepts, which makes the learning process more interactive.
• 😀 Break the lesson into short, varied activities to maintain student focus and manage energy, as students have a limited attention span.
• 😀 Ask questions continuously throughout the lesson to check for understanding, keep students engaged, and help them internalize what they've learned.
• 😀 Use praise and positive reinforcement regularly to motivate students, boosting their self-esteem and encouraging them to participate actively.
• 😀 End the class with a review and reflection activity, such as exit tickets or a recap, allowing students to consolidate what they’ve learned and leave with a sense of accomplishment.

Q & A

What is the primary goal of an ESL teacher, according to the script?

The primary goal of an ESL teacher is to get students to speak English in a meaningful way. While reading, writing, and listening are important, speaking is the top priority as it is the skill most valued by students, parents, and society.

Why is it important for ESL teachers to build relationships with students?

Building relationships with students is crucial as it helps create a positive classroom environment. This relationship fosters trust and makes students feel more comfortable and motivated to participate.

What should an ESL teacher do when students first enter the classroom?

An ESL teacher should greet students with a smile, make eye contact, and ask them questions about their lives, likes, and weekends. This serves as a warm-up and encourages students to start speaking.

How fast should an ESL teacher speak during class?

An ESL teacher should speak at 70% of their normal speaking speed, especially when students are new to the class. This allows students to better understand and adjust to the teacher's accent and speaking style.

Why is it important to have a structured routine in an ESL class?

A structured routine is essential because it gives students a sense of consistency and security. Knowing what to expect in class helps students focus better and builds their confidence in the teacher's leadership.

What are the two methods for teaching grammar mentioned in the script?

The two methods for teaching grammar are the deductive method, where the teacher presents the rule first and then examples, and the inductive method, where the teacher gives examples and students figure out the rule.

What is Total Physical Response (TPR), and how is it used in the classroom?

Total Physical Response (TPR) is a method where the teacher adds actions to words and encourages students to act along. This kinesthetic approach helps reinforce language learning through physical movement.

How should an ESL teacher manage class energy and attention?

An ESL teacher should manage class energy by adjusting the pace of activities. If students are bored, they should introduce excitement; if they are too energetic, they should calm them down with a related story. This helps maintain attention and focus throughout the lesson.

What is the role of feedback during an ESL lesson?

Feedback is crucial in reinforcing learning. After activities, teachers should ask students for feedback on what they did, allowing them to share what they've learned. This also helps clarify any misunderstandings.

Why is student reflection important at the end of an ESL lesson?

Student reflection is important because it allows learners to think about what they've learned during the lesson. It helps them solidify their understanding and gives them a sense of accomplishment. This can be done through exit tickets or class discussions.