Top Ways to Teach TESOL

1. Top Ways to Teach TESOL There exists no single and definite way of teaching English. But there have been some popular approaches down the years. There are some top TESOL teaching ways used in the classroom for English training. What are some popular TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) teaching modalities? Direct Method In this, all teaching is done in English; translations aren’t permitted in the classroom, and the focus is on speech rather than grammar. This is a student-friendly method and has hence, become very popular. Students are made to learn the target language (English) instinctively and naturally. So, this direct method is also called as ‘natural method.’ Any mistakes are corrected in the class, and the teacher reinforces correct language via showering praise. This method is also popular for teaching English online. CLT or Communicative Language Teaching This is a highly popular method for TESOL teaching. It focuses on the ability of the student to communicate in contexts of real life. Students learn to express feelings, explain things, make requests and accept offers.

2. Because the focus of CLT is to teach language via problem-solving and real-world tasks, it is not much concerned with the accuracy of grammar and focuses instead on fluency. Inquiry/task/project-based learning This approach focuses much on the individuality and independence of students. It is a modern method that is growing in popularity. By solving problems and asking questions, while the teacher is only a facilitator, there will be a rise in student motivation. TPR or total physical response It is a popular approach in which students react to the teacher using movements like acting out, miming, and gesturing. For instance, students, along with teachers, may make an exaggerated facial expression like a frown or pretend to cry for learning the word-‘sad’. TPR recommends that students learn English via physical response instead of analysis. TPR is used commonly in online English classes and for teaching young learners since it not only enhances vocabulary but also helps vent energy, while staying focused for a long time. Eclectic approach Several teachers use a combination of communicative approaches (CLT and Direct) with humanistic approaches (TPR) and any other strategy that works for them. For instance, a fan of CLT may borrow points from TPR or Direct method. A teacher who uses the direct method may sometimes provide much grammar explanation. In sum, the list of TESOL teaching methods does not conclude here. One may find a suitable method from the above or develop one’s own techniques and methods of teachingTESOL.