4 main skills in Teaching English as a Foreign Language?
Table of Contents
Listening
In the process of acquiring our first language, listening is the initial step, allowing us to absorb the surrounding language. For English learners, listening is vital for understanding the subtleties of native speakers, such as the emphasis or omission of specific sounds. While TEFL classroom textbooks provide ample materials to improve listening skills, real-world resources like song lyrics, movies, TV shows, and English radio offer invaluable supplements. Being creative with materials can also lead to more engaging listening activities.
Speaking
After listening, the next skill we develop in our first language is speaking. This can be particularly intimidating for English learners as it involves practicing in front of peers, a nerve-wracking experience in any language. Creating a supportive classroom environment where students feel comfortable making mistakes is crucial for building their confidence to speak. To effectively develop this skill, students should take every opportunity to practice with each other and, ideally, with native English speakers. Many online resources connect language learners with conversation partners, and local English language groups can also be beneficial.
Reading
Reading generally follows listening and speaking in the sequence of learning our native language. While classroom textbooks offer numerous reading exercises, there are many other engaging materials available for innovative lesson planning. For beginners or younger students, start with picture books and gradually move to comic books, which are often popular with students. Once they reach intermediate levels, resources like online newspapers, journals, and blogs that match students' interests can be used. Encouraging students to keep a notebook for noting unfamiliar words or phrases and providing them with a dictionary for instant translations can further enhance their reading skills
Writing
Writing is the final core skill in learning a new language. This can be especially challenging for students whose first language does not use the Latin script, particularly those from North Africa and Asia. The key to mastering writing is practice, repetition, and more practice. In addition to the valuable exercises provided in the class textbook, other activities inside and outside the classroom can supplement learning. Writing letters, for example, is a productive exercise as it does not require a specific format, and the results do not need to be seen by the recipient. Encourage students to write to family, friends, classmates, or even pets?the important part is consistent practice.
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