ESL Technology Teaching Strategies
Using Technology to Make Lessons Fun and Accelerate ESL Learning
Nov 6, 2009
For many ESL instructors, instruction in English can be very difficult. One reason is because English is very challenging for many foreigners to learn. Most of the challenge comes from the lack of persistence and time needed to study and concentrate on learning a new language.
After creating the mood required to foster motivation and accelerate English attainment in the classroom, instructors needs to continue to make the class interesting. This can be achieved through the use of alternative classroom tolls such as technology. This article explores the creative audio and visual steps teachers can take to facilitate accelerated learning of English.
Use Pictures and Visual Aids
Instructors can teach their students the names of everything found in a grocery and department store just by pointing to objects in posters, magazines, and flyers. They can even teach students physical and character traits by using entertainment magazines. Rest assured; none of the students will object to pointing to pictures of Brad Pitt and Halle Berry.
After the pictures and visual aids, instructors can now try to slowly introduce grammar as they see fit. Students will have begun to pick up some basic grammar structures during this preliminary exchange.
Incorporate Video and Audio Technology
Once students have had a plethora of vocabulary and have started building grammatical structures, instructors can move on to cultural and idiomatic uses of English by using media and technological devices such as music, television programs and films.
One of the hardest things to do when learning a new language is to decipher when and where words begin and end in sentences while someone is speaking. Students may figure it out after the person has moved on, but this will not help them while engrossed in the immediate conversation. Watching television and movies will help alleviate this obstacle.
Often times, students who learn English in one region may not be able to understand English speakers from other regions within the same country because they are not used to the way the words are pronounced outside of their immediate learning circle. Watching TV programs and films will help students get accustomed to various regional dialects, speech patterns and colloquial expressions.
Another great use of technology is to include music in curriculum as well. Music will, without a doubt, help students decipher words. Music is the great uniter. It has the potential to unite people of various races, cultures, and religions. Because music appeals to the emotions, it will propel students to learn the meaning of the lyrics they will be singing.
There are numerous accounts of people in foreign countries who have learned English by watching American programs and listening to American music. Using these techniques may feel awkward or seem too simple for a professional skill set, but it is worth the effort. Instructors may be surprised how much they can accomplish by being a little creative. Step out of the box and make the most of lessons. Incorporate these technologies to make learning fun and accelerate English attainment.
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