Important ESL teaching points to be remembered.

After passing a TESOL based teaching course newly qualified teachers think that is the end to all the hard work but it just the start of a learning process that will develop with them over time. When teaching English as a second language to foreigners there are certain steps and practices that teachers should be aware of to not only help them advance the class in the right direction, but to help them get a keen grasp on the language so it sticks in their minds moving forward.

In any teaching profession certain challenges need to be overcome, and as a teacher the fundamental principle is getting through to your students, each and every one of them. You must recognise each student as an individual and monitor their progress, giving help where help is needed and guidance when it calls for it. The sole outcome for any English language teacher should be to teach their students how to communicate effectively whether that is through vocal methods or written methods.

Below are some of the essential tips you need to know as a teacher of ESL.

Group work is the Key to Engagement

When it comes to learning a new language there are two important ingredients; listening and engaging. As part of a wider group you will often learn much quicker than if you were to study and learn on your own. Groups of two to four will not just help students interact, engage, listen and learn but it will also make lesson times more fun, which goes hand-in-hand with learning.

Making English More Personal

In your classroom you are going to be presented with students from all walks of life, and all different types of cultural backgrounds. As a teacher it is essential that you use this to your benefit and make learning English more relevant to each of your students. This is where you can get them to talk about their families, their childhoods and anything that can be personal to their home country in some way. This alone can go a long way in helping them learn English faster than without involving cultural lessons as part of your core learning.

Don’t Let Time Get the Better of You

When you are teaching a TESOL certification online course you need to make sure you students remain motivated at all times because activities and classroom engagement can easily catch up with you and before you realise it you have run out of time in your lesson.

This may sound something simple, but that time can often have a domino effect on learning. You can miss lesson goals, lose track of student progress and get yourself behind in the teaching of your class.

This is why keeping an eye on the time is so crucial and teachers are advised to wear a watch or keep a close eye on a clock so lesson plans stick to the correct time and your students development stays consistent and on track.