Table of Contents
Introduction
Teaching English as a second or foreign language is a dynamic and rewarding experience. However, it comes with its own set of challenges that require thoughtful strategies and tools to address. This post draws on practical insights shared by experienced educators, expanding on their ideas and adding practical tips to help teachers succeed in their classrooms.
Classroom Techniques Vs Strategies
Classroom techniques refer to specific, practical methods or activities that teachers use to achieve particular learning goals in the classroom. For example, role-play can be a technique used to enhance speaking skills.
On the other hand, strategies are broader, long-term approaches that guide the teaching process as a whole. For example, task-based learning is a strategy designed to improve students’ overall communication abilities.
While strategies provide the overarching framework for teaching, techniques are the actionable tools that bring those strategies to life in the classroom. In other words, a strategy is the plan, and a technique is how the plan is executed in real-world teaching situations.
For example, error correction strategies are planned methods for addressing students’ mistakes in language use (such as self-correction, peer correction, and direct correction), while using classroom materials effectively is a technique for enhancing learning through tools like whiteboards, projectors, and interactive activities.
Both work together: the error correction strategy provides a long-term approach to improving student language use, while the material usage technique supports this by providing the necessary context for practice and correction.
10 Effective Teaching Techniques for English Teachers
As English language teachers, adopting effective techniques and strategies to create valuable learning opportunities and enrich your students’ educational experience is essential.
The following ten classroom techniques and strategies are highly effective when applied thoughtfully.
1. Mastering the Use of Presentation Materials
Teachers must have a strong command of the presentation tools they use in the classroom. Knowing how to use these tools effectively can make or break a lesson, whether it’s a whiteboard, an interactive whiteboard, or a projector.
Practical Tips:
- Whiteboards: Plan your layout beforehand. Reserve space for permanent notes like objectives or reminders and use the rest for dynamic content.
- Interactive Whiteboards: Familiarize yourself with the software. Practice creating interactive activities, like drag-and-drop exercises.
- Projectors: Test compatibility between your computer and the projector before the lesson. Always have backup material, like printed handouts, in case of technical difficulties.
2. Having a Clear Approach to Error Correction
Correction strategies should not be left to instinct. Thoughtful error correction improves student confidence and understanding.
Practical Tips:
- Use self-correction techniques by prompting students to identify and correct their own mistakes.
- Try peer correction by pairing students and encouraging collaborative learning.
- Balance direct correction with praise to maintain student motivation.
3. Leveraging Dictation Techniques
Dictation activities, such as dictogloss, combine multiple language skills and encourage collaborative learning.
Practical Tips:
- Start with a short, meaningful text. Read it aloud while students take notes.
- Have students work in groups to reconstruct the text, focusing on grammar and vocabulary.
- Use reconstructed texts for follow-up activities like peer reviews or role-plays.
4. Effective Classroom Management for Young Learners
Young learners require structured yet engaging classroom environments. Teachers must balance playfulness with authority.
Practical Tips:
- Develop a clear set of classroom rules with the students’ input.
- Use routines, such as morning greetings or song-based transitions, to create a sense of predictability.
- Incorporate games and interactive activities that promote collaboration and discipline.
5. Storytelling as a Teaching Tool
Storytelling captivates students’ attention and provides a natural context for language learning.
Practical Tips:
- Share personal stories that incorporate targeted language structures. After telling the story, analyze key language features with the students.
- Encourage students to share their own stories using the same structures.
- Use resources like Andrew Wright’s books on storytelling for additional inspiration.
6. Encouraging Student-Led Questioning
Allowing students to ask questions fosters curiosity and engagement while reducing teacher talk time.
Practical Tips:
- Model effective questioning techniques during class discussions.
- Create activities where students develop questions for their peers based on a reading or listening activity.
- Reward creative or thoughtful questions to encourage participation.
7. Using Visual Aids Effectively
Visual aids can enhance understanding and retention by providing contextual clues and engaging students visually.
Practical Tips:
- Use pictures, charts, or infographics to introduce or reinforce concepts.
- Incorporate videos or animations to explain complex ideas.
- Design student-centered activities like matching exercises using visual aids.
8. Integrating Technology into Lessons
Technology opens up new opportunities for interactive and engaging learning experiences.
Practical Tips:
- Use apps or platforms like Kahoot, Quizlet, or Duolingo for quizzes and vocabulary practice.
- Assign collaborative projects using tools like Google Docs or Padlet.
- Incorporate multimedia elements, such as podcasts or virtual tours, to diversify lesson content.
9. Gamifying Learning
Games make learning fun and can motivate students to engage actively with the material.
Practical Tips:
- Use word games like hangman or crosswords to practice vocabulary.
- Create scavenger hunts where students find and use specific language items.
- Develop point-based systems to reward class participation and achievements.
10. Using Real-World Tasks
Tasks that simulate real-life situations make lessons more meaningful and applicable to students’ lives.
Practical Tips:
- Practice restaurant dialogues, travel scenarios, or job interviews.
- Organize mini-projects, like creating a travel brochure or recording a podcast.
- Encourage students to use language outside the classroom, such as ordering food in English.
Summary Table of Teaching Techniques
| Technique | Key Idea | Practical Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Presentation Materials | Know your tools | Practice beforehand; have backups |
| Error Correction | Thoughtful strategies | Combine self, peer, and direct correction |
| Dictation Techniques | Holistic language practice | Use dictogloss and group reconstruction |
| Classroom Management (Young Learners) | Balance fun and authority | Develop rules; use routines and games |
| Storytelling | Contextual language teaching | Analyze key language; encourage student stories |
| Student-Led Questioning | Encourage curiosity | Model questions; create peer-questioning activities |
| Visual Aids | Enhance understanding | Use pictures, videos, and student-centered activities |
| Technology Integration | Interactive and diverse lessons | Use apps, collaborative tools, and multimedia elements |
| Gamification | Motivational learning | Use word games, scavenger hunts, and point systems |
| Real-World Tasks | Meaningful language application | Practice dialogues, organize mini-projects, and encourage real-world usage |
Conclusion
Teaching English requires creativity, adaptability, and a willingness to experiment with different techniques. By mastering these strategies and tools, teachers can create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that supports their students’ language development effectively. Remember to always reflect on what works best for your learners and keep exploring new ideas to enhance your teaching practice.
Note: Some of these classroom techniques are contributions from prominent figures in language teaching, including Jeremy Harmer, Luke Meddings, Naomi Moir, Roger Hunt, and Scot Thornbury, as featured in a YouTube video.
The Experts’ Say about Classroom Techniques and Strategies
In this video, EFL experts are asked about the best classroom techniques for teachers of English. These experts have drawn on their expertise to share their top tips for the EFL classroom.
