Through this twenty-lesson
tesol class, I have learned basic aspects of teaching
esl which include: managing a class, preparing a course using a lesson plan, basic grammar review, etc…
Throughout the course, I came a cross a number of the key points that appeared to be relevant to me in terms of teaching guidelines. On one hand the students needs and expectation towards the language, or to put it in simple way: What the students need to study
english for? To work in a hotel or bank, do they plan to study in an
english speaking country? Etc… On the other hand, the
teacher should find ways to stimulate the students' attention in class, possibly by using topics and materials related to the students' interests.
Another essential aspects of teach
esl regards the
teacher's attitude and expression. According to my understanding of the course, a
teacher is expected to be outgoing, energetic and patient. Such qualities are supposed to act as incentives to build the students' confidence in class, and so pave they way towards progress.
Teaching methods such as the Engage Study Activate pattern stroke me as being interesting approaches. The ESA pattern is indeed designed to first stimulate the students' attention by first going over a somewhat fun activity, which will introduce the topic of the lesson. This first activity is meant to pave the way for a smooth transition towards the study phase, during which students are expected to acquire new knowledge. Eventually, the last part of lesson is practice-oriented. More specifically, it consists in having the students to be productive with language through practical activities, based on daily life situation for instance.