What Are the Benefits of ESL Training?
Today's classrooms are diverse places where students hail from many cultural backgrounds, especially in urban areas. Many of them do not speak English at home. As a result, these students are learning English as a second--or even third or fourth--language. Teachers must be trained to manage these language differences in the classroom--by relating to both the students learning English and to native speakers.
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What is ESL Training?
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ESL stands for English as a Second Language. ESL training instructs teachers in strategies and methods for teaching English. Though many ESL training programs prepare teachers to teach English abroad, other programs prepare teachers to teach in American schools.
Program Types
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ESL training programs are diverse. Individuals desiring to teach English abroad can become certified online or in a classroom. Acquiring certification often makes it easier for teachers to find better-paying jobs. Some traditional colleges and universities offer an ESL focus within their overall teacher certification programs. These teachers are usually interested in teaching in grades kindergarten through 12 in American schools. Understanding the principles and challenges in an American ESL classroom is critical in areas with high-immigrant populations.
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Research the Programs
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The number of ESL programs can be overwhelming. Potential students should thoroughly research their options based on their goals, time and financial constraints. Additionally, ESL programs have a variety of reputations. These reputations need to be considered when choosing how to become certified. If you want to teach in a prestigious abroad program or even in a university or business setting, you may need to have a prestigious certification to match.
Program Content
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Most ESL training programs focus on teaching strategies for the classroom. Practical teaching strategies are necessary for ensuring that your students are actually learning what you are trying to teach. Even if you are a native English speaker, understanding how students learn English will be important to your teaching success. Consider what type of student you want to teach when choosing your training program. Teaching adult learners requires a different approach from teaching children or teenagers.
Bilingual vs. Immersion
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Another factor in English language education is the type of instruction--bilingual or immersion--students receive. If you plan to teach English abroad, it is likely that your students will have a bilingual experience. They will study English in their English-language class, but the remainder of their subjects will likely be taught in their native language.
How English is taught in American public schools, however, is a different matter. There is a healthy debate about the most effective way for non-native speakers to learn English. Many schools offer bilingual programs where students study English in one class while other subjects are taught in students' native tongues. There is a counter-movement to immerse non-native speakers in English-only classes. There are advantages and disadvantages to bilingual and immersion programs for students. Immersion typically produces faster results because students are completely surrounded by the new language. At the same time, however, non-English speakers are likely to lose some of the content taught in science, social studies, literature and math. Bilingual education, on the other hand, requires that students be taught the content area subjects in their native language, allowing students to keep up with their English-speaking peers in school. Students in bilingual programs, however, usually acquire English more slowly than students in immersion programs.
Benefits
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The benefits of obtaining ESL training are numerous. Teachers with ESL certification are more likely to get hired and have success in their teaching environments. Certified teachers are also paid more than non-certified teachers. ESL training is invaluable for teachers who want to succeed in the English as a Second Language marketplace.
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References
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- Photo Credit Image by Flickr.com, courtesy of woodley wonderworks
