Teaching Strategies for ESL Teachers
Learning English is a challenging undertaking, and teaching English as a second language requires patience, cultural sensitivity and a sense of humor (in both the teacher and the students). The right teaching strategies can strengthen communication in the classroom and increase students' confidence and fluency, making your job as a teacher more rewarding.
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Cultural Strategies
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Whether you're a teacher in a new country or your students are the newcomers, pay attention to cultural differences. Part of ESL is learning new customs and etiquette, but these new ideas should be introduced slowly, with sufficient context and a welcoming attitude. Become aware of gestures, customs or body language that may have different meanings in other cultures. Incorporate cultural context into your lessons -- for instance, when teaching students about different greetings, include gestures as well as vocabulary.
Vocabulary Strategies
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Building a strong, comprehensive vocabulary is important for new English speakers. Teaching vocabulary words in a specific context helps students remember the words and categorize their vocabulary in useful ways. Avoid handing students long lists of words that they'll need to look up when alone and memorize without context. Instead, ground vocabulary words in stories, readings and lesson plans that provide a social and cultural context, with key vocabulary words highlighted and defined beforehand.
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Collaboration Strategies
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Language involves active communication. Instead of merely listening to lectures, students need to interact with different people, gaining more comfort with their skills. Peer mentors can be especially useful; recruit advanced ESL speakers in the same age group to work individually with each student during several class periods, or pair more advanced and confident students with beginner students during class exercises. Working with peers allows students to socialize and try out their English skills at the same time.
Writing and Reading Strategies
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Confident ESL students will be able to communicate in many media. Writing and reading work together cohesively, and writing exercises help students build their skills gradually as they draft and revise their writing samples. Be patient and understand the frustrations of writing in a new language. If a student is struggling, allow her to write a first draft in her native language and translate the work into English. Encourage students to keep private journals in English, to practice writing skills in a stress-free situation.
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References
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