The China Teaching Web

I used to think that a good ESL teacher should barely have a voice after a full day of teaching. I used to believe that a good ESL teacher would have the direct attention of the English class at all times. I thought that it was my job to perform and entertain the students with English. That changed when I realized one day that I was burned out. I was exhausted. I hated teaching and I needed to make a change.

Just because you are a teacher does not mean that you have to or even should be talking most of the time. In fact, a good ESL teacher should encourage students to talk in class. This of course is much easier said than done since many students will be too shy to respond. What can you do to get your ESL students involved in class? It is simple. Use more group activities. Here are some ideas:

• Help your students to practice their English by dividing them into groups and assigning each group an English word. Ask each group to come up with 5 interesting sentences for each word and say them out loud for class.
• Give your ESL students an issue to discuss together. For example, is it OK to have a boyfriend or girlfriend in university? Ask them to tlak about this in groups and then give each group a chance to voice its opinions.
• Ask you students to act in class. Recently, I wrote an article about using skits in the ESL classroom. Give your students scenarios or little plays to work on together and then perform in front of the class.
• Use debates as a way to help your students develop quick thinking skills in English. You can give them time to prepare and then have them compete against each other. Click here for more debate ideas.
• Give your students a variety of small topics to discuss: How are you feeling these days,what are your dreams,would you rather lose an arm or a leg, etc.

Your goal should be to have your students talking with each other or to you at least 50% of the time. Let your students take some of the load off your back so that your classes be more enjoyable and relaxing.

Do you have an idea about teaching ESL to share with us? Leave us a comment below and do not forget to check out our ESL Conversation Section.