When English language learners are considering options for learning English, it may be difficult to settle on a mode of learning because of titles associated with different courses. Generally, students search for “English lessons” or “English classes”. When they find organizations that provide English language instruction, if the student does not know any better, he or she may end up in the wrong English course–not because of issues related to ability level; issues related to the of English teacher or mode of instruction may be more problematic. Common course offerings are attached to labels related to ESL (English as a Second Language) or EFL (English as a Foreign Language). If a student is learning English in a country wherein English is the dominant language, taking an ESL course is the way to go.
What Is English as a Second Language?
English as a Second Language, or ESL, is English that speakers of other languages learn while living in a country where English is the primary language. For example, if a person from Dakar, Senegal moves to Durham, North Carolina, where this person starts taking English lessons, this English language learner is learning English as a second language. He or she has moved to a place where English is the dominant language, and this person will– more than likely– receive instruction from someone who’s been speaking English his or her entire life as a first language.
Why Choose ESL?
Usually, ESL students learn English because they are already in situations that require them, often, to communicate in English–especially if they land in places where there are few to no speakers of their primary language. They may have secured employment in a space where English is the primary language of communication, their children may attend schools where English is the primary language of communication, or they may already speak English but want to improve their communication skills for personal enhancement or professional advancement. While they may want to prioritize learning certain aspects or types of language, learning English as comprehensively as possible is in their best interest. For example, to take care of her day-to-day needs (such as grocery shopping or talking with her children’s teachers),a Spanish-speaking dentist may want to learn English. However, if this same dentist plans to open a private practice, learning English words and phrases related to dentistry, business, and customer service, office machines, and billing may be a priority–especially if there’s almost no chance the majority of her clientele will be made of folks who speak English, instead of her home language.
Public Tutoring Options
ESL courses are usually offered at community colleges and community centers. Depending on the region in which the course is offered or availability of teachers possessing varying degrees of teaching experience, there may be limitations associated with enrolling in an ESL course. For example, if a college doesn’t have teachers with patience and expertise related to teaching English to adults who know zero English, they may not offer English classes for beginners. The school may only allow intermediate or advanced students, provided they have staff capable of teaching these courses. The same may be the case at community centers or other not-for-profit organizations. To be sure, it helps to visit the organization’s website. If friends or family members effectively speak and understand English, asking one of them to call the organization to get specific information about entrance requirements, fees, and other details may be helpful, too.
Let’s get busy getting you over your academic, professional, or personal hurdles.
Private Tutoring Options
Hiring a private tutor is another option. A customer’s financial situation, schedule, stamina, and social needs will determine if this is the best option. Some tutors offer one-on-one English lessons; they may offer small group lessons, too. Of course, there are benefits and drawbacks associated with both arrangements.
Private English Lessons, Small Group—Photo by Kenisha Carr (English, Math & More, Oakland, California – 2011)
Group Lessons: Pros and Cons
Group lessons may be less expensive than one-on-one lessons because the instructor’s energy and resources are being shared by several people. The drawback is that students may not receive the personalized attention they need, or–because other students may need help with specific topics–students may have their time wasted learning information they already know.
In group settings, depending on where the class is located, there may be a homogenous or heterogenous mix of language speakers. For example, a class of English language learners whose primary language is Punjabi is homogenous; these folks all speak the same language. A class composed of folks who speak Punjabi, Pulaar, Tigrinya, Spanish, and Dutch, for example, is heterogenous; these folks speak different languages. If an ESL customer decides to learn in a group setting, it may be best to choose a heterogenous class composed of a balanced mix of students who speak a variety of languages. Why? Well, if the class is homogenous, depending on the way the English course is organized or the strength of the instructor, the students may fall into the trap of communicating with each other in their home language.Most time spent talking in the home language is time wasted because the students already know how to speak their home languages. They need to rewire their brains to include English communication, and that’ll happen only if students make conscious efforts to communicate in English at every possible chance.
In group settings, depending on where the class is located, there may be a homogenous or heterogenous mix of language speakers. For example, a class of English language learners whose primary language is Punjabi is homogenous; these folks all speak the same language. A class composed of folks who speak Punjabi, Pulaar, Tigrinya, Spanish, and Dutch, for example, is heterogenous; these folks speak different languages. If an ESL customer decides to learn in a group setting, it may be best to choose a heterogenous class composed of a balanced mix of students who speak a variety of languages. Why? Well, if the class is homogenous, depending on the way the English course is organized or the strength of the instructor, the students may fall into the trap of communicating with each other in their home language.Most time spent talking in the home language is time wasted because the students already know how to speak their home languages. They need to rewire their brains to include English communication, and that’ll happen only if students make conscious efforts to communicate in English at every possible chance.
1-to-1 English Lessons: Pros and Cons
While receiving hyper-targeted instruction during one-to-one English lessons has its benefits, there are some potential drawbacks to take into consideration. Being the lone object of a determined teacher’s efforts may become energetically draining. Think about it. In a group setting, a teacher’s questions are usually directed toward the entire class, and different students are given opportunities to answer. However, in a one-on-one setting, the single student has to answer all the questions, which can become exhausting. Additionally, in a group setting, other students may have questions or perspectives that other classmates haven’t considered; hearing them ask questions and discuss the issue with the instructor and other students may be helpful to all students, as the issue probably would not have been considered if a student were working with a tutor, alone.
Keep in mind that these lessons can be more expensive than group lessons.
One-to-one English classes work better for some students. If the instructor is knowledgeable enough, he or she will know how to determine English language learners’ strengths and weaknesses, establish goals, and help these customers meet their goals. Less time is spent addressing material these customers already know, and more time is dedicated to introducing and applying new concepts. For example, if a customer is clear about how to ask for directions, in English, being in a class where a substantial amount of time is dedicated to learning how to ask for directions may be pointless. Maybe this student knows how to ask for directions but has trouble following the directions because he or she doesn’t understand different American English dialects. In a group setting, it may be difficult for an English teacher to tease out this sort of information or for a student to understand his or her situation well enough to communicate it to the group instructor. In a one-to-one English language learning environment, however, a professional and experienced English teacher should be able to determine what the student needs and help him or her develop an ear for learning different American English dialects.
What ESL Students Should Expect to Learn
At the very least, students should expect to learn:
- English Grammar
- English Mechanics
- English Reading
- English Writing
- English Speaking
Additionally, it helps for students to consider the need to focus on listening in English (because there are so many dialects) and reading comprehension (not just fluency).
Closing Remarks
In addition to the above-mentioned considerations, students should take into account how much time, mental energy, and financial resources they’re able to dedicate to learning English as a second language. They may want to consider, too, how much they know about their primary language and how that knowledge may affect their ability to learn English. In any event, if students find the best English teacher for their needs, they are likely to meet their language learning goals.