What is TESOL and How to Teach It
Demands for the use of the English language have increased over the years and globalization has led to many countries teaching English as a second language. The teaching of English as a second language has led to the development of many acronyms. Thus, what is TESOL, and its methods are the topic of this essay.
English has always been the business language of the world. Up until 10 years ago most magazines and research were published only in English, so it was really important that students could read and write English. But nowadays many people all around the world need to use spoken English in their daily life.
At first all of the programs were called ESL, English as a second language. They were incorporated into classes for students who were not native English speakers. Then it changed to TEFL, teaching English as a foreign language in some countries like Russia, where English is not used everyday.
But in other countries like India and Singapore, the English language is the official language of the government and businesses. So the courses were called TESEL, teaching English as a second language.
Finally as English became more important, the linguists combined the two acronyms into TESOL, teaching English to speakers of other languages. And now there are many private language institutes, language centers, colleges and universities that offer courses in TESOL.
There are now many companies offering certification and accreditation for teachers who want to teach overseas. It is a good opportunity for teachers to travel and see the world. Some courses are only 4 weeks with some student teaching, while others are online courses for 120 hours.
There are over 60 countries that offer this accreditation, and they use either British English or American English. The preference is more towards American English because the pronunciation is easier.
There is a great demand for these English teachers because they have been trained with skills to help students understand and use the language. The emphasis is for communication and is student centered participation.
Teachers usually talk too much, so they must create activities that encourage the students to talk. The teacher pairs the students and has them question each other, or give a list of things and have the students rank them in importance.
The most important point is communication, not on grammar. Many students are shy to talk because they fear making a mistake. The teacher must explain that as long as both people understand each other, then they are communicating.
Children learn a language by repetition and initially do not study grammar. So the teacher must create an atmosphere where all students want to talk, and walk around and listen to all the students discussions. Teachers do not correct simple mistakes, only encourage communication.
Of course the teacher incorporates new vocabulary into dialogues, and teaches listening skills. Teachers encourage watching TV or listening to radio programs in English, even if the student does not understand everything. Practicing every day is important and needs to be emphasized.
So many great strides foreword have been made in understanding what is TESOL, and how it should be taught. The first goal is to get students to really be able to communicate in every day English.
Provider of online TESOL education with latest techniques and strategies for teaching English. Get your TEFL certificate and TESOL certificate with us and start your new career today!
Provider of online TESOL education with latest techniques and strategies for teaching English. Get your TEFL certificate and TESOL certificate with us and start your new career today!
http://www.ontesol.com
Author Bio: Provider of online TESOL education with latest techniques and strategies for teaching English. Get your TEFL certificate and TESOL certificate with us and start your new career today!
Category: Career
Keywords: TESOL, TEFL, English, education, career, teaching, TEFL, TESL, TESOL online, family, society, busine