ESL Teaching Methods

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There is no unique style of teaching English, and over the years numerous popular ways have been formed.


Method #1: Direct method

All instruction in the target language is done for the direct approach, translations are not permitted in class, and the focus is on the speaking rather than grammar. This makes the direct approach particularly student-centered that has become popular (Kawasaki, 2021). I think this strategy is a good one since it drives students to study the language they are targeting. For older students, I believe it might be better. If younger kids don't know how to speak the target language, this might be a big battle. I think it's preferable if the students understand their target language slightly. Because this is tightly linked to speech, a teacher should not wish to use technology as an assistant. A teacher can record what the students say on a computer, so they can listen to their words after they speak them.

 

Method #2: Communicative language teaching (CLT)

This is the most popular method.  “CLT emphasizes the students’ ability to communicate in real-life contexts, and students learn to make requests, accept offers, explain things, and express their feelings and preferences” (Kawasaki, 2021). This method focuses on fluency. In real life encounters, I think the most crucial element is to comprehend the target language. This is where the kids are going to utilize the language most and save them from a bad circumstance. Teachers can show videos on various circumstances for kids.  Teachers can search the database on the website Yabla, which offers videos in all different languages. 


Method #3: Task-/project-/inquiry-based learning

The students' freedom and uniqueness are highlighted in this approach.   The student interest and engagement in activities and projects will be increased by asking questions and solving difficulties with the instructor as a mere teacher (Kawasaki, 2021). It might be an option to play 20 questions. This allows students to ponder and ask questions to find the solution. I was also thinking that teachers could utilize applications like Kahoot and Quizlet Live.




Method #4: Total physical response (TPR)

Students respond to the teacher by acting like mimicking, gesturing or performing the language. TPR shows that students are better able to acquire the target language through physical reaction instead of analysis (Kawasaki, 2021). This approach reminded me of Charades. I thought students can act out different scenarios and students have to answer in the target language. I also thought students can create a play. They can they turn it into a blog to tie in some language writing. 

 

Method #5: An eclectic approach

Basically, this is to do what the teacher wants and works best for the class. I think this will be what most teachers choose. I think a little bit of every method will help teachers successful. “ A great way to combine or develop teaching methods is to frequently reflect on your teaching style by using a journal where you write down comments, note adjustments, and brainstorm how you can change certain methods or procedures if necessary” (Kawasaki, 2021).


Resources:

Kawasaki, J. (2021, January 22). 5 Popular ESL Teaching Methods Every Teacher Should Know. BridgeUniverse - TEFL Blog, News, Tips & Resources. https://bridge.edu/tefl/blog/esl-teaching-methods/

Comments

  1. UnknownOctober 31, 2021 at 7:58 AM

    Thank you for sharing these methods. I spoke of TPR similarly in a blog post I wrote. In the classroom I use what is called Whole Brain Teaching (WBT). We use what is called mirror words where the students need to mimic the gesture and words I use to help them remember the material. They then need to turn and teach their peer before learning new material. Mini lessons are an easy and engaging way to help our learners. I like that this is beneficial for L2 learners as well. Students remember whole body movement and kinesthetic learning versus just hearing words or phrases in an auditory way
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