Tips for teaching English: how to be a successful teacher
If you are interested in moving abroad to work as an English teacher, you will likely find that it is quite different from being a teacher or tutor for native speakers. However, before you start your new career, consider brushing up on some tips that will help you become a better teacher. These are not the only ways to be successful, but they can certainly help your students learn the language.
Tip #1: Speak entirely in English
If you’ve ever tried to learn another language, you know it can be difficult, especially if you’re trying to switch back and forth between your new language and your native language. Studies have shown that immersion classrooms are more successful, mainly because students are forced to switch their brains to the new language. If your students are just beginners, they may have trouble keeping up, so be sure to write down all the necessary information, such as homework assignments. Students may need to look up some words in a translation dictionary before they really understand, and having written instructions will help ensure they can complete the assignment at home.
Tip #2: Encourage everyone to talk
Instructors aren’t the only ones who should talk during class. Students should feel free to talk to each other without worrying about being teased for making a mistake. Learning a new language is hard and everyone needs to say the words to be effective in their new language! However, don’t let a few outgoing students run the class. Teachers should make an effort to call each student at least once a session to make sure everyone is progressing as they should.
Tip #3: Require students to write in English
Have you ever met someone who speaks another language fluently, but can’t read or write it? These are often people whose families speak other languages, but learn another at school. To help your students be successful in all parts of speech, make sure they write, read, and speak in the new language.
Tip #4: Make teaching English fun
Your class will learn better when they are having fun, even if they are adults. Nothing will put your class to sleep faster than a dry and boring lesson. Instead, use games and other teaching tricks to make the lesson enjoyable for you and your class. Pictionary and charades are especially fun, as are the spelling bees and 20 questions. If you find that your class prefers certain games to others, try adapting them for different lessons. Or, ask your students to invent their own game to teach the class – when they are directly involved in their own education, they are more likely to be successful.
These are not the only ways that teachers can be successful when teaching English to non-native speakers, but they are certainly a good start. If you can, connect with others who are teaching English and work together to share ideas and strategies that will help you, and your class, be successful.