7 Teaching Principles New English Language Teachers Often Forget

1) Reduce Teacher Talk Time
In order for your students to learn to speak English, they must practice talking. However, when you’re talking to them, they’re not talking. Consequently, learn to zip your lips! This can be hard to get the hang of but if you want to be a good English teacher, you MUST do this.

2) Give Instructions First
What occurs when you provide students a handout, and then explain what you want them to do? Or, you ask students to create a small group and then explain the task? The primary issue is that the students won’t hear you! Instead, always offer directions first, and afterwards check for understanding. (see # 3). Lastly, provide the students the handout, or direct them to form small groups. Also, remember to tell the students how much time they have for the task. (see # 4).

3) Check for Understanding
This does not imply just saying to the students’ “Everyone understands what they are currently doing, right?” Instead, specifically ask them about the instructions that you provided by saying, “Who can inform me what you are supposed to do?”. You will be amazed at how common it is that guidelines are misunderstood despite having intelligent students.

4) Tell Them How Much Time They Have
Tell students how much time they have for the given job such as two minutes or twenty. If students recognize they are only allotted two minutes to speak to their partner, they will get working immediately.


5) Use Pairs and Groups When Appropriate
Having students operate in pairs and groups can be valuable, yet it doesn’t work well for all jobs. For example, give a grammar worksheet students separately, and not pairs. Students can always review their answers with a peer if you desire pair interaction.

6) Ask One Question at a Time
There is something unsettling for most of us when there is silence, but this could be valuable in the ESL class. Moreover, it is very important to ask only one concern at a time as opposed to loading the silence with extra questions!

Here is an example:
“Who can inform me what we performed in yesterday’s course? Just what did you do? Just what did we do the other day?”.
There are three problems with this. Students could be developing a response to your first question in their heads, but when they hear an additional two more concerns they begin to get confused, and what TEACHING ENGLISH IN CHINA are trying to get across becomes unclear! Just ask one thing at a time to provide your students time to comprehend what you asked. This relates to # 7.

7) Give Them More Wait Time
ESL and EFL students require time to process info. After you ask a question wait 5 to 8 seconds even if you have to count patiently in your head. If nobody has responded in that time, ask the question again, but this time differently. Maybe you utilized a specific vocabulary word unknown to made your question too long. Don’t be afraid to rephrase it if needed. You may seem like 5 to 8 seconds is an eternity to wait but it truly isn’t when teaching English language learners.
For questions contact:
Annette Thompson, Director
5102 Trumpeter Swan Ct
College Station, Texas 77845
979-224-2327

from Muriel Carlisle Blog https://murielcarlisle.tumblr.com/post/160279912609
from Tumblr https://victorembrey.tumblr.com/post/160280062312