TEACHING STRATEGIES

The Top 4 Strategies for Teaching English Language Learners

Last Updated on 21 October 2024/ By Zineb DJOUB

What are the most effective strategies for teaching English Language Learners (ELLs)?

Teaching English can be an exciting, fun, and outstanding experience for both teachers and students. Its dynamic nature requires individual interaction and commitment to progress that goes beyond formal learning contexts. However, in English language classes, understanding and accuracy are not the only criteria that define success. The ability to communicate fluently in various contexts remains the targeted goal of many English language learners. So, if you are teaching English and looking for effective teaching strategies to develop learners’ language proficiency, then this post is for you. You will learn about the top 4 strategies for teaching English language learners.

I. Provide constant exposure to the English language

English language learners need to have as much exposure as possible to this language.  They need to learn about grammar, build vocabulary, listen, read, and interact with different materials (visual aids, texts, scripts, etc.) in a variety of ways. This is necessary to develop their knowledge of the language or what is known as language usage.

Yet, learners’ interaction and engagement in learning depends on how relevant and interesting they perceive the tasks.

Therefore, teach English in meaningful contexts. Opt for real-life topics that appeal to learners’ interests and are relevant to their learning progress.

Further, to improve their engagement, incorporate culturally relevant content and experiences into your lessons and be sensitive to their backgrounds.

Don’t forget to explain the rationale behind every choice of material you make.

Differentiating instruction is also necessary to develop learners’ English proficiency. It will allow them to work on a variety of tasks (stories, dialogues, scenarios, videos, etc.) that match their diverse needs and meanwhile figure out how language is used in different contexts.

If you are teaching English in a context where it is considered a second/foreign language, avoid using L1 (first language) while interacting with your learners, even if they are beginners. Use gestures, simple words, and flashcards, and make translating your last option.

In addition, remember that language and culture are related. So, in such contexts, do not focus just on the language but incorporate aspects associated with its culture (the customs, traditions, and social norms of the English-speaking community).

For better exposure, it is also important to create a learning environment where English use is promoted and classroom walls are decorated with labels and statements in English. This can captivate learners’ attention and boost their desire to learn the language.

II. Maximize opportunities for practising English

One of the most essential strategies for teaching English language learners is encouraging them to practise English.

Language learning is a skill that improves with practice. So, besides developing language usage we need to help English language learners apply what they’ve learned in real-life situations, build confidence, and become effective communicators in English.

However, asking English language learners to speak or write in class is often a daunting experience, full of anxiety and resistance.

Therefore, before asking your learners to produce anything be sure you have provided the necessary input for that production (vocabulary, language structures, etc.). This is through integrating language skills which means using multiple language skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing, in a coordinated and interconnected manner.

Besides skills integration, a positive learning environment is a prerequisite for learners to express themselves and make mistakes. So, it is important to build trust, maintain a growth mindset, show patience, and promote open communication.

In the same concern, to maximize language use, vary your tasks and incorporate different interaction patterns (individual, pair, group work). Ask learners to play roles, write dialogues, stories, and comments online, share their views, create videos, interact with native or proficient English speakers, etc. Engage them in collaborative projects, group discussions, and practise activities to boost their confidence and language use.

You can also be a source of inspiration, encouraging them to write poems, and stories in English, and engage in collaborative and creative writing projects, storytelling, drama, etc.

III. Create enthusiasm for learning

English language teachers are more lively, enthusiastic, caring, and open to change. They don’t only take learning seriously but also value the fun, distraction, and enjoyment aspects.

So, their learning is packed with rich content (language games and different activities) and new learning experiences that promote active interaction and spark curiosity beyond the school walls.

But to create enthusiasm for learning these teachers need, above all, to show a genuine passion for teaching and a love for the subject matter. This is to inspire learners to love English and develop resilience in the face of any challenge.

Your passion is visible in every teaching act, from the way you pronounce, speak, and write to the way you interact and provide instruction. So, be a good LANGUAGE MODEL.

You don’t need to be a native speaker to be an effective language model. You need to keep learning to improve your language and teaching skills.

When teaching English language learners, we are also supposed to be more patient than any other subject teacher. Learning any language is a long journey associated with stress and the fear of making mistakes and failure. So, mastering a language requires patience, effort, and the courage to take risks and say your words.

ELLs can’t feel enthusiastic to learn when experiencing constant failure or not receiving adequate support from their teachers.

So, don’t lose your temper or feel frustrated when learners make mistakes in grammar, pronunciation, or vocabulary usage. Even if your focus is on accuracy, try to provide constructive feedback and help them navigate the complexities of communicating properly in English.

Provide opportunities for peer and self-correction and regularly assess their language skills and progress. Remember to communicate with them to unveil their learning needs and difficulties.

IV. Support literacy skills development beyond the classroom

Developing learners’ language proficiency should be extended beyond the classroom.

We need to foster a love for reading in English among learners and provide opportunities for using language skills outside classes.

So, encourage extensive reading. You can recommend books, newspapers, magazines, and blogs that align with learners’ interests.

There are various ways to motivate them to read such as organising book fairs, library visits, reading competitions, online book club discussions/forums, and using incentives and rewards.

However, reading can be challenging for English language learners. This challenge often stems from a desire to comprehend every word they encounter, which can impede the overall reading experience.

Therefore, we should equip learners with the necessary reading comprehension strategies to overcome this hurdle and enjoy more the reading experience. These include teaching them how to skim, scan, use context clues, identify the main idea, look for supporting details, and recognize the structure of different types of texts (e.g., narratives, persuasive essays, research papers).

It is also important to stress the need to be patient and practice reading regularly to improve it. Learners should not get discouraged by their reading difficulties, but keep practising and practising to get better.

Besides promoting extensive reading, encourage learners to write in English outside the classroom. They can maintain a personal journal, blog about a topic of their interest, or contribute to school newspapers.

You can motivate them to write by organizing writing contests, creating a writing club, inviting authors, poets, or journalists to speak to the class, and celebrating their achievements by publishing their work in a school literary magazine, on the school website, or in local publications.

Remember that your feedback and guidance are crucial in helping learners with their reading choices, processes, and writing projects outside the classroom. Support them in setting literacy goals and tracking their progress.

Further, collaborate with parents through conferences or workshops. They can help support literacy development at home, sharing reading lists, suggesting family reading activities, and ways to help their children practise writing.

To conclude, providing exposure, practice, ongoing literacy support, and creating enthusiasm are the most effective strategies for teaching English language learners. These not only develop language proficiency but also foster a deep appreciation for the English language and culture. By embracing these strategies, you can create an environment where learners thrive and reach their full potential, both inside and outside the classroom.