“THE RAIN IN SPAIN FALLS MAINLY IN THE PLANE.” We all know the pleasure of witnessing a learner getting “the knack of it”, after pushing on and persevering with conquering something which is difficult. With language, especially a foreign one, this is even more so.
HOW TO BRING OUT THE BEST EDUCATOR IN YOU.
Here is how you can make a difference in the lives and futures of the learners entrusted to your care. Effective teaching can change the lives of your pupils, and here are a few considerations you can keep in mind:
- INSPIRE your learners with your positive example. Bring energy to your lessons and infect them with positive expectation. Help them believe that it is possible to achieve what they are attempting. Catch your learner’s interest, like Robin Williams in Dead Poets Society. You can be the “Oh Captain, my Captain” to your students.
- PRESENTATION.Use visual learning objectives. Create an illustrated target list in the front of the class, of items in your curriculum. Here are tips on how to be an excellent teacher. Plan a variety learning styles. Teach in a variety of ways by using books, videos, music, presentations, and speeches.
- HONE your attitude into a passionate approach. Make your classes enjoyable and interactive. Do observation walks, where learners can learn words for objects, places and things as a group. By repeating the words with everyone, they will become accustomed to the sounds, and it assists and helps in memorising aspects of the new language.
- ENGAGE learners in subjects – use music, food, and practical everyday subjects to bring the new language within reach of your students. Create opportunities to practice the language.
- MAKE your lessons relevant to their own lives. Instead of explaining things, illustrate the point with things they understand and can identify with.
- FIND NOVEL WAYS for your students to be exposed to the practical use of the language. Think of different and interesting subjects to address in class. Encourage learners to participate, and use praise for the ones joining in.
- CHANGE BORING grammar classes into playing games, illustrating the aim of each lesson. Use interesting literature to assist students in increasing their textbook vocabulary. Make the language come to life.
- PEER TUTORING has enormous benefits all-round. Provide a period when you match the better students with slower ones, and give them interactive tasks, focusing on accomplishing a shared goal.
- SHOW COMMITMENT to each student by reinforcing positive assessment methods, including peer and self-assessment. Often ask what each has learned and note the individual responses.
- FAMILIARISE yourself with possible complicating factors that can hamper the progression of your learners. Does English differ much from their home language? Can they really distinguish the new sounds, and will it be easy to get used to the new grammar?
- LANGUAGE is a 2-way street. Believe in your students, and they will believe in themselves. Most importantly, interact and engage. Find the best ways to give them the confidence to speak.
ESL
Teaching abroad can be such an enriching experience, yet it is imperative that you possess the fundamentals of the English language and know how to teach it. If you are serious about teaching English, you need to know what you’re doing.
Instruction for English-language learners may be known as English as a second language (ESL), English as a foreign language (EFL), English as an additional language (EAL), or English for speakers of other languages (ESOL).
In South Africa you will find a variety of institutions that offer very good courses for those that specifically want to teach English abroad.
So if you want to pack your bags, and GO look for your Elizas Doolittle on whom to apply your language skills, this is your opportunity. Perchance you will hear Professor Higgins say: “By George, she’s got it!”
YOUR ADVENTURE AWAITS…
For great Teaching opportunities abroad, apply online at www.goabroad.co.za
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