How to Teach English to People Who Speak Other Languages
The anagrams "TESOL" (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and "EFL" (English as a Foreign Language) were developed as alternatives to the classification of "ESL" (English as Second Language). These terms are considered more accurate for English language learners than "English Second Language" students, as your students may already know two or more languages. Whether you work abroad or in your own country, teaching ESOL can be an enjoyable and rewarding career if you have an extroverted personality and a passion for working with others.
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Instructions
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Plan your classes according to your students' goals. If you are teaching in a foreign country, you will most likely have students whose English language goals relate to career development, tourism, study, or personal interest. This will direct your class in a different direction than if you are teaching students who have relocated to an English-speaking country. Focus on the vocabulary, phrases and subject matters that will be relevant to your students' learning goals. Have your class introduce themselves and explain their reasons for taking English and what they hope to get out of the class. This can provide helpful information for the future focus of the class, as well as helping you assess the language level of your students.
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Use the immersion method. If you are in a country where your students share the same first language, your students may be tempted to explain linguistic concepts to one another in their native language, or ask you to do so. Try not to use any language but English in the classroom. This will be easier if your students are from multilingual backgrounds, as they will only be able to communicate with one another in English. Speaking only English in class is both challenging and encouraging to your students. Your class will be pushed beyond their comfort zone and will become more confident when they have completed an hour or so of speaking entirely in English.
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Adapt the curriculum as you see fit. Whether you are a new English teacher or have years of experience, every new class will be different and will pose unique challenges. You may find that one method of explaining a grammar point or vocabulary definition will work for one class and not another. Some classes may go quickly through a chapter while others will need extra review. Always have a number of extra exercises and activities on hand that relate to the day's lesson. If your students have trouble grasping the concept, you will have many ways to clarify.
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Tips & Warnings
Though some English teaching positions only require that you be a native speaker of English, you may want to get certified in TESOL. You can find certification programs for a range of prices. Depending on your budget and availability, you can choose between online and in-class courses, and for a variety of tuition costs. Look on Dave's ESL Cafe or GoAbroad for information on various certification programs.
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