Teaching ESL: 10 Common Problems in the Classroom
99Teaching English as a foreign language
Teaching English as a foreign language is a challenging, yet rewarding career choice. As an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher, you must learn to constantly adapt to your students needs. Many times, this means dealing with a variety of problems in the classroom, many of which are all too common occurrences. A good ESL teacher must be able to recognize these common problems, and work to find solutions. Even a small tweak in your teaching methods can help to create a more productive and casual environment for both you and your students. The following will outline 10 of the most common classroom problems faced when teaching English as foreign language, and just how to solve them.
10 Common Classroom Problems
1. Students become overly dependent on teacher
Many times, students will automatically look to the teacher for correct answers instead of trying themselves. If the teacher obliges them with the answer each time, it can become a detrimental problem. Instead, focus on giving positive encouragement to students. This will help to make students more comfortable and more willing to answer (even if incorrectly).
2. Persistent use of first-language
When teaching English as a foreign language, this is possibly the most common problem. As an ESL teacher, it's important to encourage students to use English, and only English. However, if students begin conversing in their first language, move closer to the student. Ask them direct questions like "do you have a question?" Another idea is to establish a set of class rules and develop a penalty system for when they use their first-language. For example: if a student is caught using their first-language three times, have them recite a poem in front of the class (in English). Remember, for the 1-2 hours they are in English class, it must be English only.
3. Student is defiant, rowdy, or distracting of others
This will happen, no matter what, in every classroom. If the entire class is acting up, it may be the fault of the teacher ie. boring material or poor classroom management. If it one particular student, you should react swiftly to show dominance. In order to resolve the issue, an ESL teacher must be strict and discipline the student if needed. If it continues to happen, further disciplinary action through the school's director could be pursued.
4. Students "hijack lesson" - The lesson doesn't go where you want it to
When teaching English as a foreign language, you can always count on students hijacking a lesson. To some extent, this can be a good thing. It shows that students interest, and as long as they are participating and conversing in English, it is a productive experience. However, if the lesson strays too far off topic, in a direction you don't want it to go, it's important to correct the problem by diverting the conversation.
Quick resources for ESL teachers
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5. Personalities between students clash
Not every student in an ESL classroom will become best of friends. If drama arises between certain students, the easiest solution is to seperate them away from one another. If the tension persists, switching a student to another classroom may be your only option.
6. Students unclear what do to, or do the wrong thing
This happens far too often when teaching English as a foreign language. The fact is, it's often the fault of the teacher. If your instructions to an assignment yield looks of confusion and soft whispers among students, don't worry, there is a solution. In order to avoid this problem, it's important to make sure your instruction are clear. Use gestures, mime, and short concise sentences. Speak clear and strong. Most importantly, use models and examples of the activity. You can use pictures, miming, gestures etc. to model the entire activity exactly how you want the students to do it.
7. Students are bored, inattentive, or unmotivated
Many times, it is the teachers fault that class is boring. Fortunately, with proper planning, this problem can be solved. Choose a juicy theme to the lesson; one that the students can relate to and one you know they will enjoy. This will automaticaly give them some motivation and interest. Get to know your students and identify their interests and needs, then design your course accordingly.
8. Strong student dominance
As an ESL teacher, you will encounter students of different learning capabilities and language skills. While it is good to have some students who excel in the classroom, it is important that they don't take away from others. If certain students begin to constantly "steal the show," take warning. Focus on calling on weaker students in the class to answer questions. Encourage, but gently deflect some answers from the strong students and give production time to other not-so-strong members of the class.
9. Students are unprepared
The last thing you want as an ESL teacher is for students to drop out simply because they felt lost and/or unprepared. Concentrate on a more shared learning experience. Make sure students are all on the same page before moving onto a new topic by concept checking multiple times, and encouraging individual participation.
10. Tardiness
Even I have a hard time arriving places on time. But the truth is, tardiness is not only rude, it can be distracting and disruptive of other students. If tardiness becomes a problem for your students, make sure they are disciplined. Set rules about tardiness and penalties for breaking them.
The goal of teaching
Staying awake and interested in class can be difficult. But what's even more difficult is being responsible for keeping students awake and interested. This is the job of an ESL teacher first and foremost. In order to be a great ESL teacher, one must not only teach, but inspire and empower. The goal is to excite the students about learning, speaking, reading, writing, and comprehending English. Keep the advice in this article as a tool to be used often, and you will be one step closer to that goal.
More resources for ESL teachers
- Advice for ESL Teachers: Problems and Solutions
Being a teacher is not easy. Scratch that. It is easy. Although, to be a good teacher, one who educates, inspires, and encourages is well, not so easy. For an ESL teacher, there are many potential problems...
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dkrainwater - thanks for the comment. i have never taught special ed but i can imagine it as having it's own set of unique challenges just like teaching esl does.
oh nice hub i like it , am a teacher too of english as a second language and i do feel the content of your hub so much.
Medkh9 - happy to hear you can relate. thanks for reading
Brilliant hub - I have been teaching for nearly seven years and love every minute of it - it´s satisfying and rewarding and has produced a change of career for me using assets I never knew I had. Your tips were spot on!
Insightful hub!
Couldn't agree more,choosing a juicy theme to the lesson will keep them interested,especially in giving them their reading choices for home practice.
Passinitalong - Thanks for the comment. It makes sense right? Keeping kids interested is all about being interested. Thanks for stopping by
Thanks for sharing this. Let me add that it's an added advantage when the teacher has a little knowledge of the student's first language. Even though it's nearly impossible for the teacher to be multi linguist.
In my case, i have taught ESL to a class populated dominantly with German students. And being able to use German morphology and sound system to relate to English sounds helped a lot.
I totally agree that positive remarks win the students hearts (even when it's obvious they are doing poorly) statements like "You're doing awesomely well and has improved in such a short time but..."
This sort of remark puts the class on your side and makes teaching and learning curve fun.
Cheers!
hmmm! I can really feel the experience in this hub. You expressed yourself as though you are part of the student. You must really be a great teacher then. Its really interesting reading this and I think not only for ESL teachers but also on a general note, other teachers can learn some certain technicalities here.
Its a great hub I must confess, keep it up!
As an English teacher in China, I can really appreciate what you have to say! I will try implement some of your advice in my future lessons! Thank you!
PR_am - I agree, while knowing the students first language isn't necessary, it can definitely help when trying to teach certain aspects, like pronunciation. Thanks for reading!
Dchosen_01 - I realized the same thing after I wrote this hub. Much of the advice can really apply to all teachers across the board. Thanks for reading and becoming a follower...
eastexplorer - That's what it's here for my friend...I'm glad you can find some use out of it. I've been thinking of teaching becoming an east explorer myself someday soon...going to check out your hubs now. Thanks
I enjoyed yoiur hub. I think you have some good ideas.
thanks cooperfsu - that's what i'm hear for...
Great hub.I appreciate your hub.really such problems create in classrooms.I have been teacher also.i know your feelings about your hub.
thanks artoflegendindia - i'm glad you could relate. thanks for reading
I think that the ideas you present here apply to any well taught classroom in any subject. In today's classroom, teachers are often faced with students of all levels and abilities including ESL, special ed and gifted students all trying to learn the same material. These tips are good teaching tips for all levels.
As far as disruptive behavior goes, I think finding the source of the disruption (frustration, boredom, problems outside of class etc.) goes a long way toward getting the behavior in check.
shellyakins - thanks for the input. i think everyone would agree with you that finding the source of the disruption is def. the first step. thanks for reading and commenting...
thanks for the great info!
Great hub! I can honestly say that if I had read this back when I was teaching ESL, it would have made my life a lot easier!
thanks glenn wallace - to bad its a bit too late. i'm glad it at least could have helped...
Looks like good advise no matter what class is being taught. Well done.
belliott - You're absolutely right. I feel like changing the title of this article because you aren't the first person that has made that observation. While it's useful for ESL teachers, it's also mostly true and useful for really any teacher... Thanks for reading.
Good points about students hyjacking classes. I agree this can be constructive once in a while as long as you retain the ESL course structure.
I am very pleased with the effort and don’t feel like adding
anything in it. It a perfect thing which is being done. Keep the good work
esl teacher paul - Good point as well. thanks for reading
mossy123 - I try not to put out any incomplete or mediocre work. I'm glad that you saw the effort I put into this, and all hubs. Thanks for the comment.
I totally agree with you on most of your issues that can occur in the ESL classroom, however; could implementing a penalty for using the first language send a message that they should be embrasses of their native language or that something is wrong with it.
There are many issues to consider in the ESL classroom. I have taught in China, and there the biggest issue for me was the large classes - impossible to make much headway with 45 students in 45 minutes! In China it is a struggle, though a tremendous challenge. Thank you for your informative hub.
Contrice - In theory, yes. Still, the point of teaching English as a second language is to, well, teach english. In the 1-2 hours they are in the class room, I think it's fairly reasonable to require students to speak English, in the remaining 22-23 hours can be spent speaking their native language with no embarrassment. From my first-hand experience, both as an ESL teacher and a second language learner, this is my opinion. Thanks for the comment.
Aussieteacher - This is an aspect I didn't take into account on this hub. My experience only deals with teaching ESL to Spaniards. Different places means students with different values, cultures and I guess, different problems in the classroom. Thanks for the comment. Good luck in China.
This article is very informative. Thank you for posting the additional resources.
italianizeyoursel - I'm glad you found it useful. Thanks for being here.
i don't like this
Very useful list especially for new English teachers. Most people assume wrongly that teaching ESL will be an easy ride or just a means to travel. I encountered a number of them when I started 4 years ago. Now I have experience most a fairly minor things.
silaja - Sorry to hear that. What don't you like?
ESL teacher tom - That was my initial thoughts on teaching ESL. Once I started getting into it I realized it was much harder than that, and being a good teacher would take some effort. Thanks for the insight buddy...
These are such great tips! It's also very useful to attend a good TEFL/TESOL certification program. Take a look at my hub for some tips on how to evaluate programs.
TEFLStudent - glad you found them useful. I will do that...
Having spent several years teaching ESL in Japan I've come across most of these problems at one stage or another. Problems 2 or 3 tend to go hand-in-hand, and are made more difficult to deal with when you are teaching at a public school and your options for maintaining class dicipline are limited.
When the teacher is enthusiastic about the material, students take on that enthusiam.
Great Hub. English is probably the most important thing for kids to learn if they want to make their way in the world. They need to communicate, be able to write intelligently and know proper grammer. Keep on!
as a teacher am impressed with this hub!! thanks!
teacher - True, but they are still common problems nonetheless. I'm happy to see you on a few of my teaching related hubs. Thanks
jtrader - That could be said for almost anything in life. True enthusiasm is contagious. Thanks for the comment.
susie duzy - Thanks!
nicnac - Hopefully you found it useful, I know these problems occur elsewhere and not just in an ESL classroom. Thanks for being here.
Great hub for sure! Teaching English as a foreign language is really difficult since the students would need an English logic. English senteces are built in a completely different way from other languages.
patricknormandin- very true. the other thing about English that confuses are numerous facets that go without explanation or defined rule of usage. I can't think of an example in my head, but the question is always the same - "but why?" it just is. it's just English. period.
am a new science teacher but Have been thinking about teaching English as a foreign language so this was very informative, thank you!!
I've had all these issues when I was in ESL 10 years ago. Thanks for sharing.
nicnac - I would recommend it to anyone who is thinking about it. Glad I could help a little. Thanks for the comment.
iamageniuster - You're welcome. Thanks for reading
I spent 5 years as an ESL teacher in Thailand, and it was a wonderful experience. It is nice to see you offering usefull info for those who teaching. Thanks for the good read!
travelinasia - I'm trying. Thanks for the comment.
great info on ESL. It's a very challenging subject.
jtormey - Thanks for reading...
Great hub. I am currently in South Korea teaching and understand most if not all of these points. Keep up the good work, new teachers need hubs such as these.
alexcm - Thanks my friend. Good luck in South Korea
I think the most important thing to do to avoid the 10 points you make is to engage the students...using, of course, ESL strategies as well as engagement strategies...
Kagan's strategies really help engage ESLs.
Thanks for the information and discussion.
I memorized my school time.
gypsumgirl - Good point. Thanks for sharing...
deblipp - I don't get it? But thanks for reading.
thank you! very useful.. i'll definitely recommend this to my teacher friend... :)
In an ESL class, I find it important to provide some loud response time to encourage the quiet mouses to practice without drawing attention to themselves. To help the quiet, shy students, pairs or small groups have to be monitored closely and selected carefully at first.
In all teaching, I find clearly defined short term goals, clearly stated, followed by plenty of positive reinforcement lead to success.
What a wonderful Hub. Thank you for such great insight.
After becoming a mother I also search for ways by which I can teach my 1 1/2 year old son a few things. Though your post is for how to make teaching interesting in a classroom but some of the points are even helpful for my baby boy. Wonderful post.
I am considering doing some ESL teaching. I found your page here extremely helpful. You provided some really good food for thought, without everything being dry. Thanks
I learned a foreign language in 3 months, complete fluency by immersion. Unless someone is forced to speak the language to get by, they won't develop their skills very fast.
This is an interesting look into ESL teaching. I've thought of this as a career path, but I really don't think I could manage a whole class. One-on-one would be easier ;)
Great info Thanks for sharing
Thank you for sharing this wonderful information
Wow... We can apply these techniques to the learning of other languages...
i wish my teachers cared this much about their lessons
Great information - I was also an ESL teacher and find this extremely accurate to my own experiences as well! Thanks for the thoughtful and useful post for teachers! (let's not forgot, it applies to us when we are learning new languages too! I *need* to remember this too as I study!!!)
It's good and interesting. I think you have done great effort to share this information.
Thanks
very well thought and written hub. Nice work
"Taaching ESL-10 Common Classroom Problems and Solutions."
The hub is rich in information, educative on all often asked questions, based on self experience, written in a style most impressive, containing tips simple yet most useful and result oriented.
From start till end it is interesting and attractive. The hub is encouraging for the teachers who are the beginners, provides more strength who have been in the field since some time and giving hope to the final stage that there are people who are talented in every age.
Language, its articulation and making the meaning understandable to the others are all divine gifts for which we are to offer thanks to our Creator and all those who have been kind to teach us even a single word. Result oriented efforts, as this hub is, are certainly service to humanity. A breach is removed between two nations when a second language is spoken and understood. The degree of understanding increases when the understanding is rational and reasonable. All light is knowledge. All darkness is ignorance. The hub is thought provoking and opens many vistas telling boldly that to learn or teach second language is not a futile exercise. Nothing in this world is futile. Everything and every action has its utility and usefulness. It is the awareness to use it, it is the art to present it and it is the science to apply it that bring the fruit.
Students are the focus and their potentials are to be understood and realized as it is they whom a wealth of knowledge in the form of second language is being given in the classroom. It is their right and it is the duty of the teacher. To respect the rights brings dignity. The whole concept of rule of law is hidden in it. Civilzations have grown and developed on the basis of languages.
The hub is really great. It merits "Up" by all standards.
May God bless all teachers and all students and those who are benefited by their noble efforts. (Amen).
I would love to learn ESL, with some of this info I think even at my age I could pick up on it.
I was an ESL teacher, and your post would be very helpful to any new teachers.
kaoskakimu - Thank you...I'm glad to hear that.
Earthmother Mara - Excellent added advice that I'm sure everyone, including myself, appreciates. Thank you for the comment.
Mecheshier - ...and thank you for the comment...
poojabrahmi - I have never thought of it in that way. I'm happy to hear someone other than an ESL teacher finds my words useful. Thanks
williamcr - I can't recommend trying it out enough. If you have the slightest desire, which it sounds like you do, then go for it! You won't regret it no matter if you enjoy it or not. I have more hubs on teaching ESL and finding work in Spain...Check them out. Keep me posted on what you do, or better yet, write a hub about it. Thanks man...
mviadam - I couldn't agree more. But if full immersion isn't possible, an ESL class and following some of this advice could be the next best option. Thanks for sharing...
JodiVee - True, one would be easier, but less challenging...and we all know how much fun a challenge can be. Thanks for the comment.
htodd - Thank you for reading!
seebasic - No problem boss. Thanks for reading!
TheDivineYou - Very true...thanks for the comment
willdr8k - In all honesty...although I wrote this hub, as a teacher, I didn't always practice what I preached. In other words, it was hard to follow even my own advice. But hey, we're all human. I'm sure your teachers care...about...something...haha. Thanks for the comment.
Spicy Flamers - Oh yeah? Well you should not advertise on the comment section of peoples hubs just because they have a hubscore of 100, for two reasons: One, I know you didn't even read the hub because the best comment you could conjure up was "nice, I like it." And two, the hub you're advertising sucks...and I am confident that most everyone will agree. But, because I'm so nice, and to ensure you get the credit you think you deserve, I will not delete your comment/advertisement. But...you have been warned. Thanks for the comment
PS. I really am a nice guy.
jennifer_brooke - Most definitely, and thank you for commenting.
dpatullo741 - I try my best. Thanks
kims3003 - I'm glad you can see my hard work. Thanks for reading and commenting.
munirahmadmughal - Wow! How much were you paid to write such a blessed hub response. Without a doubt, this is the most impressive comment I've ever received. It makes me want to read more, write more, and just be a better person...thank you.
Also, speaking of removing breaches between nations, how do you pronounce your name?
trinsick - Judging by your typing skills, it looks like you are on your way. Thanks for the comment
Teresa Jackson - That's what I'm hoping. Thank you!
Again I have read your article to take some guidance.
Many thanks buddy
I gave serious consideration to ESL for Costa Rica to support a "retirement" there. Looks like the skill of teaching goes beyond knowing how to speak my own "first language"! I've been trying to see how success might be achieved as a hub writer by going to high scorer's hubs. This read has really impressed me. Excellent organization and clear writing. A great "how to"!
dpatullo741 - nice. glad I could help. Thanks for the comment
mike6181 - Although I'm only 24, I am giving serious consideration to that as well. Hopefully the hubbing works out. Thanks for reading
nazireee
thanks for the hub my mother was a teacher but now shes a sub you should write an article about why teachers are getting laid off
Nice HUB, I have had some experience here in Japan. I believe one big problem is if they know that you understand their native language!!!
whatyouwant - I should eh? thanks for the suggestion. I think your mother should write it.
Hezekiah - I agree, that is a big problem. I tried to hide my knowledge of Spanish when I was taught in Spain...they slowly caught on though. Thanks for the comment.
Forcing the students to only speak English sends a very bad message. You are telling the student that English is superior to their native language. You should NEVER tell a student to stop speaking their native language. Being bilingual supercedes an "Americanized" education where English is considered superior to all other languages and cultures. This may not be your intention when telling students not to speak their first language, but it is certainly the message they will receive. After all, we are now and have always been a nation of immigrants. It's time we stop pretending that we are superior to other races.
Brian S - But Brian, It's an English language class. I disagree. For the one, maybe two hours that students are in the class, I think they should speak English. If I were paying money to attend a Spanish class, I would expect to be speaking Spanish in class...maybe I'm wrong...but that's why it's an opinion.
ESL is a very difficult thing to teach. I don't think "forcing" students to speak English in the classroom is a bad thing though. Anyone who knows anything about language acquisition will know that immersion is the best, most effective way to learn a language: you need to get your brain to start thinking in that language when you're in the classroom. This applies to any language you're learning, not just English. It's got absolutely nothing to do with considering English superior.
Great job! Well organized and thoughtful. I agree with others who have said that this is just good advice for teachers in general.
dindondingdon - You say the words I couldn't figure out how to say. I couldn't agree with you more. Thanks for the comment...
marilan - Thanks for reading!
Great information,quite appreciate it.
crystolite - glad you could appreciate it...thanks for the comment.
Nice hub that includes good information
Thanks for writing a much needed hub. Deserved 100 for sure!
Great piece. I think teaching a new language is one of the toughest work!
TESL is a tough job for non-natives of English, who have to learn the language themselves before they teach it. Most often, overdone drills are risky. Mechanical responses from the learners often results, like, "May I buy it's a pencil?, Can I borrow your this is a ball?, etc." Good hub here!
I believe that English is a foreign language and also challenging,
Excellent Hub! These things must be kept in mind by anyone considering teaching, not just ESL, but any subject
wow that is great hubs because many info of this hubs and really I like class image.......
great hub i always looked into tefl as a possible job for travel
Good Hub. Sounds like a great career.
good hub, i believe this is a great business.
The hub topic is very effective. This subject many many hub writing to you.
Many many Thanks
Thank you for sharing this information ^^
My comments are on the record. I have also read the comments of other hubers on the subject and their appreciation of the hub has added more and more value to it. Even those whose children are not yet school going have found it useful in various respects.
Teacher is a blessing and a teacher who teaches a language other than the mother tongue is a further blessing.
When children learn a foreign language or second language they are benefited of it throughout their life. The understanding of the culture and living of other people becomes easy for them and they can make their own people understand the foreign people and thus mutual cooperation takes place for the advancement of knowledge and experience among two cultures.
All people are respectable and all languages are respectable being the signs of the Creator scattered through out the universe and heavens all saying with one voice that Our Creator is glorified and Sustainer of all of us. He is the Lord of all Honour.
May God bless all and everywhere.
deltamaster - Thanks
nathandanials - Thanks for reading
ketou - It is surely not easy. Thanks for the comment.
Lita C Malicdem - Interesting input. Thanks for sharing...and thanks for becoming a follower!
crystolite - Nice seeing you on my hubs once again. Thanks for the comment.
cashmere - Very true, thanks for the comment.
jjessieseo - Thanks for reading
jamiecoins - It really is. That is how I look at is as well. Thanks for reading!
SUSANJK - Could be, yes. Thanks
FOREX NINJA - Thanks for sharing
rajuan - Perfect...Thank you
deskokumanov - Glad I could help. Thanks
masaru - My pleasure...thanks for reading
munirahmadmughal - Wow. Very thoughtful and in depth. Thank you for that, and thank you for reading.
I have been teaching ESL and EFL for about 15 years. Lately, I've had the problem that a lot of kids only want to play games in class. I'll play a game occasionally, but only when it is reviewing material that the students are learning or should have learned.
Paul Kuehn - I don't see a problem in that. If students are learning without even realizing it, that is ideal. Games are probably the best way to do that... Thanks for sharing
Teaching our children is the best way to make good.
I found this article to be absolutely amazing.
I'm planning to be an ESL teacher myself in the future, once I have my 3 year degree and TEFL certificate
These tips will truely come in handy
Ben
RichardCMckeown - You couldn't be more right...
Ben_Anderson - They will for sure, bookmark them. Thanks for reading and I'm glad you found the article useful
very nice..... it was amazing to read dix hub ........ good work...
me really impressed...hey..i am ur fan now...
You really took my back to the two years I taught English in Saudi Arabia to Arab women. When they'd get bored, I do a lesson on idioms. It was always fun and I learned as much about their language as they did about mine.
Tardiness was a problem because they didn't see it as a problem. Also all late comers announced their presence with a hello to the class and everyone in the class responded. It was a cultural thing I had to get used to. It was rude to enter a room and not speak to those present.
It was a great experience though. You reminded me. Thanks
Teaching ESL is one of the most difficult jobs.Specially when U are engaged in teaching the primary section.U really need to be patient enough as its not a matter of joke.Moreover when its the second language.Great Hub.Loved reading it.Keep it up.
The cartoon hits the nail on the head.
I teach in Asia for esl students and also they only wnt to play games which i think is good,, because when they are excited about learning something they want to do it more....for example play a game with the students and always asking them questions wile playing the game this s the best way to teach them i find
I enjoyed teaching one-on-one to adults or a 2person group. An adolescent class would be rough for me to handle.
Great HUB but I think every article like this should be very clear whether you are offering advice for multilingual or uni-lingual situations and whether it is in the county with the foreign language or in an English speaking country. I have taught in all and the difference is huge. The biggest problem by far in a non-English speaking country is going to be the public school administration - not the students.
I teach ESL to adults, and sometimes have students with some of these traits. Thanks for the hub!
Good Hub. Excellent for the teachers among us!
ESL students? I think you just identified the problems many students have, included myself. Unfortunately the ESL teacher at my local school simply played board games with students last year. I'm hoping for some good instruction this year with the new ESL teacher or the NCLB police will come take my job.
thanks for sharing...this information can help me better in my classroom management next year .
That's really nice
thank u 4 giving d informations about the problems faced while teaching english.....
I have just started teaching in a primary school in china i have 95 kids per lesson and even the chinese english teachers cant control them very well any advice?
Thank's for the article. I fully agry with your vision of a process of teaching FL. But in my case, the usage of the pupils' first language is necessary. WHY? I am a teacher of English from Russia. I work in a state school with the children of the 2nd till the 10th forms. We have only 2 hours of English for the primary school stage. When I give new vocabulary to these pupils I have to write not only the transcription of word, but I also write the reading of the word with a help of Russian letters in order students should understand and remember the pronunciation. It's not enough for the pupils,eg., of the 2nd or 3rd form just to hear my pronunciation of the word for remembering it. What shall I do instead of this? Can you help me?
Hi jdaviswrites,
yes it is difficult deal for a teacher to teach English as second language. The high use of first language makes it even more difficult job ...
Great info ..... keep the good work up .....
nice !!! thank you !!!
Thanks for sharing the information, i'm going to include the info into my project("effective techniques in teaching culture in ESL classroom), don't you mind?
i am a teacher since 1991 in Mauritius Island
Meet me on facebook group " Teachers Problems" and Education Problems "
christian yow sangg
wow, thank you so much for posting this! I am writing a paper on the problems and solutions of the esl classroom, specifically in Korea, where I have been teaching for almost 3 years. I thought it would be too easy to simply write about the problems so I am excited by your solutions and such honesty! Thank you!
After working at many ESL schools over the years, I've come to the conclusion that ESL is largely a racket. The teacher gets screwed from both ends--by the students who are never happy with the class, and by the school who jerk you around like a plug and play toy. The students know they have the control, and can complain and have you replaced with another teacher. The school has to please the students, so the "customer is always right--even when they're wrong" mentality prevails. From my experience teaching ESL, the only way ESL teaching works is with NO school middleman. It needs to be ONLY you and the student to work. I hate ESL schools, they are all a bunch of assholes, always screwing you around, always shorting you, always fucking with you. Thoroughly embittering. Another great idea is to find another way of making money altogether, as ESL is a shit wage, living hand to mouth. If you love being a human doormat, then by all means ESL teaching at a school is for you!
thanks for share....
I wouldn't recommend a penalty like the reciting of a poem as punishment for speaking Spanish.
I think rewards when they speak English is the best route to take with students in an ESL class.
Yeah I just don't allow the students to speak their native language, unless they raise their hand and ask. If they don't then they get a warning and if they do it again I give them a small penalty. I make them stand on their chair with one leg for ten minutes...haha...J.K. It's not actually that mean, but I made some instructional videos and wrote about this.
dkrainwater 22 months ago
ESL is as difficult to teach as special ed in my opinion. Great hub, keep doing what your doing.