Consider this: Ideas for ESL Teachers.

   Essentially, as ESL teachers, we need to focus on our students' success in mastering speaking, reading, writing and studying in English. Teaching is a two-way process. As we are all aware, we learn from every student, as they seek to learn from us.

     Here are some tips for a balanced approach to become more effective ESL education.

(1) Determine who each student is, from which land they have migrated, which language is their native tongue, which customs they practise, and what their goals are, as they master the challenge of learning English in a different culture.

(2) Develop a 'sharing is caring' approach, to acquire cultural awareness. This is applicable to an ESL classroom, or to a one-to-one ESL tutorial.

(3) Aim for visual prompts, and non-verbal gestures. Dress with smile, a global language. Our students may experience 'culture shock', but are ready to embrace their new country, a new culture, a new language. Teachers who are teaching English in overseas lands, may expect a non-responsive time from younger learners. But this can be overcome with visual prompts, rhymes, singing and artwork. Smiling to show your support is a practical approach.

(4) If ESL teachers are teaching in our own homeland, they can assign a study buddy, with tips for basic survival skills. Some ideas are: to practise sessions with online English conversations lessons available on Google, or to slow down speech patterns. We must encourage our ESL students to practise their English as much as possible. As Bruce Lee stated, "Learn, Practise, Master, Achieve."

(5) Encourage individual differences, and understanding of cultural diversity, and the celebration of unique customs and traditions, as a bridge. Sometimes students can be available as interpreters.

(6) Assess each student in an ongoing, informal manner. It is vital to determine each student's understanding and progressive mastery of basic English skills. This depends on their entry level to our ESL teaching. Corrections of pronunciations and grammar play a significant factor. We must slow down our speech as a role model. Listening skills are important. As mentioned before, all teaching is a two-way learning process.

(7) For ESL classes, there are a number of experiental  approaches for which we can provide hands-on learning. These include visuals, and written expressions. Simple cooking lessons, art, musical activities, mimes, and mini-drama lessons, are some ideas.

(8) Utilise group projects in classes, where applicable. There can be a support method for ESL students, sharing their English language skills. Even in one-on-one ESL tutoring, sharing a written task with a student providing an example, will enhance mastery. Visual graphic, or written examples, are more effective than long-winded verbal instructions.

(9) Aim to keep the communicative channels open, focusing on the individual abilities, comprehension, and goals of each student. We are here to teach, so enjoy the trip!

Article source: http://eslarticle.com/pub/english-as-a-second-language-esl/139656-Consider-this-Ideas-for-ESL-Teachers.html