Over time, a number of scientific theories, learning approaches, and instructional styles have been developed for teaching foreign languages. There isn’t a single, ideal method for teaching English to adults or kids. Depending on the abilities and capabilities of the students, the best method of instruction may be selected. As a result, we have included some creative recommendations in this article for learning a new language and choosing the most effective method of teaching English.
Online Education
The newest approach to teaching and studying English in the twenty-first century is via online courses. It’s crucial to consider a variety of online technologies, including virtual tours, web quests, and, of course, the many gamification varieties. It is essential to have a consistent pace and follow a well-structured lesson plan while teaching English remotely. If not, our minds will become overloaded and incapable of remembering anything.
Even with more modern teaching methods like online tuition from a native speaker, it is essential that you consistently hone your English communication skills. Real-world communication experiences are crucial while learning a new language.
For example, children at the online English language school “LiveXP” are taught by an online English teacher for kids using this exact same method of instruction. Children easily interact in English with their teachers in a relaxed context, quickly taking up new vocabulary and idioms. They may speak freely and with confidence.
Task-Oriented Methodology
The task-based approach to teaching English helps students learn the information they really need to accomplish their goals and objectives by making a distinction between their abilities and competencies.
The tasks in this method must be based on common real-life situations that students may encounter, such as going on vacation or interacting with foreigners at a restaurant, hotel, or airport. A task-based approach may include teaching students how to make reservations for a hotel room, place an order at a restaurant, or take on more challenging jobs like reading a play for the stage. Rather than the other way around, this approach prioritizes the job at hand above the language that is taught.
When using this strategy, educators must be fully aware of the needs and expectations of their students. Without information, it is difficult to design courses that will help students succeed in certain situations.
Educators who choose the task-based technique should always ask themselves why they are teaching English to their pupils. The answer to that question will help develop a compelling curriculum that young learners will find engaging.
The Technique of Gamification
The most often used strategy for piqueing children’s interest in learning is gamification. Kids are most at ease when they are playing games; they simply go with the flow. Games have structure and purpose, which makes them enjoyable.
To become better at organizing, you have to play by each game’s rules. Every child knows that the rules of the game are unbreakable. Youngsters are inherently energetic, and games provide them the flexibility to move around, interact, exchange items, etc. Since games can be used to study any topic, they are an excellent source of material. Youngsters will find it easier to learn via games, remember terminology faster, and even start using words in conversation on their own. Any game may be their real life for kids! Moreover, only the teacher is aware of the language and didactic requirements.
The Total Physical Response (TPR) Method
The Total Physical Response method is frequently used while teaching English to young children. Learning requires the use of the whole body. The methodology is based on the synchronization of speech and movement. The students respond by moving their whole body in response to the teacher’s instructions, which are given only in the target language and accompanied by exact body gestures.
Using the TPR approach, a kid may learn a foreign language faster than they would with standard learning techniques. The child can also passively and unconsciously absorb the language’s structure by moving in response to the teacher’s directions.
Without explicit education, children pick up the rules of grammar by hearing instructions, nursery rhymes, or songs repeated aloud. The Total Physical Response method is an ideal technique to educate kids because, in addition, they will remember complex phrases and idioms better if they connect them to a specific, well-executed movement.
Interactive Techniques
An important component of teaching English to adults and kids alike is interactive learning. There are many things you and your child can do that will be advantageous to you both. Make use of your creativity. Create a collage or poster, do some crafts, etc. You may also organize workshops in which you and your kid bake pizza, create salads, assemble soft toys, or do any other activity. Making a flower garden, a mini-garden, or a flower bed are a few examples.
When speaking English with a child, a teacher (or parent) should constantly engage them in real-world situations and actual conversations. This method makes it easier for adults and kids to acquire language indirectly by using a variety of activities.
Theatricalization
Theater is a favorite method of instruction for many English teachers and students. Children get especially absorbed in the world of brave lords and ladies, evil sorceresses and good faeries, magical creatures, and talkative animals. Youngsters are quickly drawn into the plot and have no issue remembering the key plot aspects, enduring characters, and catchphrases.
First, a teacher may read aloud to the class, then they might debate the narrative, look at the pictures or watch a cartoon, learn some language, and then “narrate” the story later. Nonetheless, seeing beloved tales or scenarios brought to life with puppets, screens, and décor is one of the kids’ favorite pastimes.
As they get ready for a play, students are exposed to a more relaxed and English-speaking environment. As a result, the “immersion method,” which entails speaking to kids in English from the beginning, helps them improve their language skills as well as their comprehension and context-inferring abilities. That is the exact reason why English instructors who work with young students find it so appealing.
