TEFL Coxsackie New York

Nothing is scarier than stepping into a classroom and hearing a language that sounds familiar but isn't. The teacher is talking and has a big welcoming smile, however, there's often thought of “what am I getting myself into? Am I actually going to get this? Can the other students understand more than me?” There is often a lot of apprehension towards a new language for young adult and adult learners. How can the teacher help the students to be relaxed and confident in the classroom? What are the advantages of being an absolute learner? These are the two questions I would like to address in this paper to better understand the beginner student. As most educators have learned, they have to provide a fun learning environment for students to thrive in the classroom. This will eliminate much of the reluctance associated with learning english (Russell, Sophia). A colorful inviting room also eliminates apprehension for the students rather than having cold grey walls. Encouragement is also a huge key in students' success. As students would testify, a friendly encouraging teacher motivates them for success far better than a strict cold teacher. Students in an esl classroom are more of “responders” than atmosphere setters. Mike Anderson wrote an article about “test-preparation” for students. I think his thoughts on preparing the atmosphere in the classroom for a test also correlates with what a classroom setting should be like in a day-to-day setting. He says, “A teacher's tone can dramatically influence the mood and atmosphere of the classroom, so it's important to convey a sense of purpose and optimism.” An absolute beginner needs to see that perfection isn't the goal, learning is. The teacher also needs to be creative with hand gestures and miming. teachers need to understand that exaggeration and creativity is another key in helping the students learn the new language. The students want the teacher to be interested in them and in their success and wellbeing. Establishing good rapport with students and being interested in their lives helps the students to feel at home in the classroom. Picking up a few phrases from their native language can go a long way towards building a good rapport with the students which will help them feel more comfortable in the classroom (Beare, Kenneth). Are there advantages to being an absolute learner? Sure there are! An absolute learner has a completely clean slate towards the new language. They haven't learned grammar rules incorrectly or been influenced by incorrect pronunciation. They are very moldable; however, it is important for the student to continue speaking their native language. Full proficiency in the native language facilitates second language development and academic achievement is significantly enhanced when esl students are able to use their native languages to learn in school (Robinson, Keogh, Kusuma-Powell). When teaching an absolute classroom where I don't speak the language, I would be more relaxed about students explaining things to each other in their native language in order to gain deeper understanding. In an absolute beginner classroom, there isn't a tension between students as to who knows more. The bored student who knows more than he claims isn't an issue in this setting. Therefore, fellow students need not be anxious about looking like a fool when making a mistake because the other students are on the same level. To conclude, apprehension for new students is inevitable; however, there are ways for the teacher to change the atmosphere in the classroom and establish good rapport with the students in order to remove the tension. Friendliness, enthusiasm, and genuine interest in each student as a person sets a positive atmosphere in the classroom. As for the absolute learner, they don't have to worry about competition with the other students or having incorrect information about the language. Every student begins as an absolute beginner at some point. It's important for teachers to understand how to relate to the students and how to establish a positive atmosphere in the classroom. Works Cited: Russell, Sophia. “Creative Techniques to Accelerate esl Learning for Beginners.” esl Teaching Strategies – Absolute Beginners. November 6, 2009. http://www.suite101.com/content/esl-teaching-strategies-absolute-beginners-a166750 Anderson, Mike. Education Digest. Sep2010. Vol. 76 Issue 1. p45-48; , 4p. Beare, Kenneth. “Teaching Absolute Students”. Teaching Absolute and False Beginners. http://esl.about.com/od/esleflteachingtechnique/a/t_afbeginners_2.htm Chapter 6: Who are esl Students? Nancy Robinson, Barbara Keogh & Ochan Kusuma-Powell. http://www.state.gov/m/a/os/44038.htm