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In this lesson, I learned about the different methods and structures practiced in an EFL classroom, as well as some sample activities to go along with these methods. The basic ESA (Engage-Study-Activate) approach was new to me. Though there are many modifications you can make to it and many different ways you can expand it, the principles it embodies are, in my opinion, essential to teaching a language. Engaging students by drawing them out with questions and activities, then homing in on the main focus of the lesson after their attention has been captured, and then giving them an opportunity to show what they've learned - it's all so simple, and can easily be made fun and entertaining. I especially loved the material in this lesson on correcting. I agreed strongly with all of the advice and guidelines given on making corrections, and when to make corrections. In particular I appreciated the advice on avoiding correcting every single error and mistake made. Rather, the teacher should focus on corrections relevant to the lesson at hand, on repeated errors, and on understandability. Self-correction should be encouraged over outright giving the answer, as making the correction themselves will help it stick with them. I also appreciated the point on praising students just as much as, if not more than, you correct them. Positive reinforcement is essential to giving students the confidence and desire to speak up and participate, allowing them to experiment with and thus more quickly learn the language.
