Improving Learning

Most ESL students assume that if they make mistakes during a lesson, they are showing a weakness. This misconception comes from the fact that they perceive their ESL lessons as similar situations as speaking to someone on the street for example. While talking to strangers does require a lot more attention to deliver your message in a foreign language, ESL lessons are just the opposite. Students must understand that taking their time and making mistakes is actually what they are supposed to do during a lesson.

In her article “Shared Responsibility: Achieving Success with English-Langage Learners” Betsy Lewis-Moreno brings up the well-known rule of thumb: “teaching does not cause learning; learning causes learning”. Repetition, trial, and error are essential for ESL learners. Set your goals with each individual student and make sure your methodology brings both of you closer to that goal. Your students must make meaning of what you are teaching. Let them figure goals on their own too. Let them understand that they are responsible for their own learning as well. Lewis-Moreno notes that “when planning instruction for [ESL] students, one should consider both content objectives and language objectives. The language objectives should indicate what the students are expected to do with language.” In this respect, the traditional lecture form of teaching is not appropriate for modern language learning. Teachers are not know-it-all lecturers any more. They provide guidance and support for students while students are exploring and taking initiative in their own learning.

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Lewis-Moreno, B. 2007. Shared Responsibility: Achieving Success with English-Language Learners. Phi Delta Kappan, 88, no 10, June