Educational Technology



Educational Technology

Introduction

The purpose of this study is to expand the boundaries of our knowledge by exploring some relevant facts and figures relating to teaching language as a second language. Teaching ESL is a difficult task and needs various approaches of teaching to be adopted by the teachers to make sure the students grasp the basics of the language. ESL refers to the teaching of those students whose mother language or first language is other than English. The abbreviation E.S.L. is commonly used as shorthand for the phrase "English as a Second Language”. These studies often take place in those countries whose first and official language is English. ESL students are people who belong to some other country and came to live in English speaking nation. They are called "English Language Learners" or ELL. The term EFL that is, English as Foreign language, is also used for the same purpose. Teaching ESL is a difficult task and needs various approaches of teaching to be adopted by the teachers to make sure the students grasp the basics of the language (Smith, 2006). In the paper, we will examine the purpose, process and practice of teaching English as a Second Language. We will also assess the content based instruction as well as second language acquisition process.

Discussion & Analysis

Purpose

The primary purpose of teaching English as a second language is the fact that there has been a sharp increase in the demand for English, both at academic as well as corporate level, throughout the world. Similarly, the demand for people with skills of teaching English has also increased at a sharp rate. The ever increasing demand for English teachers throughout the world has seen many take advantage of the chance to use their skills and change lives by teaching English overseas, however with competition for jobs at home ever increasing many who chose to take this leap often harbor a fear that that stepping away from the conventional 'career ladder' may cause problems gaining future employment (Hoa, 2007).

The purpose and significance of teaching English as a second language is to develop the ability to think quickly and not panic. Teaching English is different every day, so it teaches you to organize and prioritize your workloads and be ready for anything. It also gives you a great deal of confidence in dealing with all manner of people no matter what language they speak and the international experience never fails to impress potential employers. EFL teachers often have the opportunity to develop strong organizational skills as well as the ability to work alongside people from a range of backgrounds and overcome cultural boundaries. Candidates who have experience of this nature often posses a wider skill set thanks to their time managing large groups, working independently and planning lessons (Davies, 2006).

Process of Teaching English as second language

To be successful, classroom instruction must address the learner's entire development, including physical, socio-emotional, cognitive, and ethical aspects. Language study that divorces language from learners' emotional development may leave the learner ...