English Language Tutoring Methods

English Language Tutoring

Methods

There are several methods of teaching English as a second language. One of the primary methods is known as the direct method which is sometimes called the natural method. This method avoids using the students’ native language and focuses on the target language (English is the target language in this case). The direct method operates on the assumption that the best way to learn a second language is to imitate the way the first language was learned. When a child learns his native language, he doesn’t rely on another language to learn the native language. This method places great emphasis on oral skills, and keeps the printed language away from the learner for as long as possible.

Another major tutoring method in ESL is the audio-lingual method. Students listen to or view tapes of language models and then practice with drills. The instructors that use this method focus on the use of the target language all the time. This method was used by the United States Armed Forces during World War II; it’s a proven method of language learning that works relatively quickly.

A third method is known as the immersion method. The immersion method forces students to communicate in the target language whether they know how to use that language or not. One drawback to this method is that while it creates fluency in the target language, it may not create accuracy.

Another effective method is relatively new and is called the minimalist or methodological approach. This method was developed by Paul Rowe. It was originally created for inexperienced and/or unqualified EFL (English as a Foreign Language) teachers. However, experienced ESL teachers have responded positively to it because it is relatively simple to use. Flash cards are the major teaching tools used in this method, and there is a focus on using words in the proper context.

Directed practice is another method that produces quick results; it is often used by the US Diplomatic Corps. Students are simply repeating phrases; this repetition provides them with a textbook knowledge of the target language. Their choices of what to say are fairly inflexible though.

One thing to remember when teaching ESL is that many students from other cultures view asking questions of the teacher/tutor as being disrespectful. The tutor should encourage questions and let the students know that they will not be considered disrespectful if they do ask questions.