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What is ESL (English as a Second Language)?

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What is ESL (English as a Second Language)?

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ESL is a type of class one can take. ESL is specialized for people whose native language is not English and this helps them learn the English language. The people who attend this class are referred to as ELL (English Language Learners).

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By taking an ESL course, the students should be able to comprehend, compose, speak, read using the English language. This course will also touch on basic academic core subjects.

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For ESL courses there is a variety of courses you can take which have a variety of different lengths as well as a variety of difficulty. The average meet time for a class that meets 5 days a week is about 80-90 minutes. This may include a break of some sort that averages about 5-10 minutes. If 5 days a week is too much, there is also an option for 3 class days as well that meets for about 3 hours a day. These programs vary per school.

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To become an ESL teacher, a person does not need to be fluent in the language in which they are teaching. Although it would help tremendously, it is not a requirement. In general, an ESL teacher needs a bachelor's degree in ESL or TESOL. They then need to complete a student teaching in an ESL related setting that would benefit them. Next up, after completing the student observations the teacher would then take a state test (determined on which state they are teaching in) for a teacher's license with an ESL endorsement. Lastly, if the teacher passes they would then apply for the teaching license and then start applying for ESL teaching jobs.

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I personally have sat in an ESL class and one of the most effective strategies that I have seen work is pairing up the students to work together. This allows them to work together and speak to each other which enhances their comprehension and speaking skills. The students also have the opportunity to correct each other, which once again enhances those comprehension skills. One thing that you might need to look out for is the students switching back and forth on their native language and English. Another thing you might have to look out for is a dominant leader who won't give other students a chance which may cause them to fall behind because they don't get to reinforce those skills.

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Teaching Strategy #2, Set realistic goals

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Teaching Strategy #2, Set realistic goals

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English is not an easy language to learn, especially when it is your first language. There are so many rules and words that can be mistaken. These students might be struggling with the curriculum and learning. By setting realistic goals, this will ensure that the students will have adequate time that they need to learn what they need to without the added stress of unrealistic goals. This in hand will reduce the stress of the teacher as well. A good acronym that I've come to terms with is SMART goals. This really helps map out all of my goals.

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Classroom Strategy #3, Learn the Culture

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Classroom Strategy #3, Learn the Culture

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One of the main things that a teacher has to consider when teaching a course like this is where the students come from. ESL teachers especially have a variety of cultural/racial backgrounds. These can hinder the teaching styles of the teacher because the students may not understand the style of the teacher. Especially since some teachers will make cultural references that they may understand but completely fly past the students. So getting to know the students and their culture will help the teacher effectively speak to the students to they can speak to the teacher.

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Engaging parents #1, Important messages in different languages

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Engaging parents #1, Important messages in different languages

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While it may seem practical to put all the messages in English since the teacher is trying to teach English. This might be a big mistake, they are there to learn English which might mean they might not yet be at that comprehension level. Writing it in the native language of the students will help effectively communicate between the students and the parents and this will allow the parents to help support their child.

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Engaging parents and families #2, Learn the families culture

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Engaging parents and families #2, Learn the families culture

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Once again learning the cultures of the students will help the teacher in the long run. The parents and families may be more interested in these activities if the teacher were to plan them around the culture of the families.