How to Teach English as a Second Language for ESL Teachers

Summary

This video offers a comprehensive guide on how to effectively teach English as a Second Language (ESL). It emphasizes the importance of speaking practice, student engagement, and creating a structured class environment. The video introduces techniques such as Total Physical Response (TPR), clear instructions, and using both inductive and deductive methods for teaching grammar. Key strategies include warm-up activities, consistent routines, active student participation, energy management, and reflection. By fostering a friendly atmosphere and using varied activities, teachers can motivate students, improve their speaking skills, and ensure they leave each lesson with a sense of accomplishment.

Takeaways

• 😀 Focus on speaking as the primary goal in an ESL class, as it’s the most valued skill by students, parents, and society.
• 😀 Start the class with a friendly greeting, make eye contact, and engage students by asking questions about their lives to build rapport.
• 😀 Speak slowly (at 70% of your normal speed) to ensure that students can understand you and gradually increase speed as they become familiar with your voice.
• 😀 Use Total Physical Response (TPR) by adding actions to words, helping students make connections through movement and visual clues.
• 😀 Structure your class with a predictable routine to create a sense of consistency and security, which is especially important for children.
• 😀 Always give clear instructions and ask one question at a time to maintain control and ensure students are focused.
• 😀 Use a variety of teaching techniques, such as inductive or deductive grammar teaching, to cater to different learning preferences.
• 😀 Keep students actively engaged by asking them questions, getting them to participate in dialogues, and using various activities like games or role-plays.
• 😀 Manage energy in the classroom by balancing excitement and focus, adjusting activities to suit the students' attention levels.
• 😀 After lessons, review the material with competitive games or group discussions to reinforce learning and keep students motivated.

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 the language, engaging them verbally with the content in a meaningful way.

Why is speaking emphasized over other language skills in ESL teaching?

Speaking is emphasized because it is the skill most valued by students, their parents, and society. Students often see the ability to speak fluently as the most important aspect of learning a language.

What is a key aspect of starting an ESL class effectively?

A key aspect is to create a friendly and approachable environment, make eye contact, and engage the students with personal questions to build rapport.

Why is it important to speak slowly and clearly in ESL classes?

Speaking slowly helps students to better understand and get accustomed to the teacher's voice, accent, and speaking style. Over time, the speed can be gradually increased.

How can teachers ensure students understand instructions clearly?

Teachers should give one instruction at a time, wait for students to focus, and ensure they understand by asking questions or having students repeat examples.

What role does routine and structure play in ESL teaching?

Routine and structure provide students with a sense of security and predictability, helping them to stay focused and trust the teacher. It also helps with classroom management and makes the learning experience more effective.

How can teachers create connections in their lessons to enhance learning?

Teachers can create connections by relating the lesson to students' previous knowledge, experiences, and emotions, and by using visual, verbal, and physical cues to reinforce the content.

What is Total Physical Response (TPR) and how is it used in teaching ESL?

Total Physical Response (TPR) is a teaching method that involves adding physical movements to words or phrases. This helps students learn by engaging their bodies along with their minds, making the learning process more interactive and memorable.

Why is student engagement critical during lessons?

Student engagement ensures that they are actively processing the lesson, which helps improve retention and participation. Engaged students are more likely to focus and retain what they have learned.

How does an ESL teacher manage class energy and attention?

Teachers can manage class energy by varying the activities, using different tones of voice, and incorporating games or breaks to keep students interested. This also helps to avoid boredom or over-excitement.