The Best TEFL Teaching Methods

Teaching a foreign language comes with its own set of difficulties. Most of the time, it is a foreign language that the learner cannot take up from his or her surroundings. You should teach the kids gently and systematically so that they gain confidence and can read, write, and speak the language fluently.

The English language is the world’s language, and English teachers have adapted their delivery methods over time to fit the current situation. In this post, we will examine some of the most popular and effective methods of teaching the English language.

There is no one-size-fits-all technique for teaching English, and there have been numerous popular approaches over the years. These are some of the most popular ESL teaching methods today, including communicative language teaching (CLT) and total physical response (TPR).

Why Learn ESL teaching methods?

There are numerous reasons why both new and experienced ESL teachers should acquire a few basic ESL teaching approaches. Here are some examples of how mastering the most common ESL teaching strategies might benefit you as an English teacher:

• You will be more employable if you can demonstrate an understanding of these ESL teaching methods and strategies.
• Using TEFL/TESOL keywords and discussing these tactics for teaching ESL students during an interview will help you get hired.
• In the ESL classroom, using a range of strategies makes you a more successful and entertaining teacher.
• Understanding pedagogy allows you to create more effective ESL materials and classes. It allows you to choose activities and learning objectives that will benefit your students.

If you’re new to teaching, you’ll want to get initial training and qualification with a TEFL certificate. You can explore our online TEFL courses to get started!

What are some of the best TEFL teaching methods?

Direct Method

All teaching is done in the target language, no translations are allowed in class. With the emphasis is mainly on speaking rather than grammar in the direct method. As a result, the direct method is a student-centred strategy that has become increasingly popular in recent years.

The direct method is also known as the “natural approach” since students are expected to acquire the target language organically and instinctively. Mistakes are rectified in class as they occur, and professors applaud students who use the language correctly. Many virtual ESL organisations demand teachers to only speak English during class, hence this strategy is widely utilised while teaching English online.

Communicative Language teaching 

Among the techniques of teaching ESL today, communicative language teaching is likely the most popular. Students learn to make requests, accept offers, explain things, and express their opinions and preferences in CLT, which stresses their capacity to communicate in real-life situations.

CLT is less concerned with grammar accuracy and more concerned with fluency since it focuses on teaching language through real-world assignments and problem-solving.

Looking to promote communication and fluency in your classroom? Take a look at these ESL speaking activities.

Audio lingual method

The Audio Lingual Method, also known as the New Key Method or the Army Method. Is founded on the behaviourist belief that things may be learnt by repeated reinforcement. However, just as in the army, when someone behaves improperly (or in this case, uses awful English), the learner receives negative feedback. While when a student uses good English, the learner receives positive feedback.

This is similar to the Direct Method in that it solely uses the target language, much like its predecessor. The most significant distinction between the Audio Lingual Method and the Direct Method is the emphasis placed on instruction. The Audio Lingual Method concentrates on precise grammar teachings, whereas the Direct Method emphasises on vocabulary education.

Task/project/inquiry based learning

This ESL teaching technique can be considered a form of CLT. It places a strong emphasis on the students’ independence and individuality. Inquiry-based learning is a cutting-edge technique that is gaining traction in classrooms around the world. Student enthusiasm and participation in assignments and projects are supposed to increase by asking questions and addressing issues with the teacher acting as a learning facilitator.

Total physical response

You may have heard of TPR as an ESL teaching approach, but what precisely is it? Total physical response, in which students react to the teacher through movement such as miming, gesturing, or acting out the language, has become highly popular.

When learning the word “sad,” for example, the teacher and pupils can make an exaggerated frown and pretend to cry. TPR claims that physical response, rather than analysis, is the most effective way for children to learn the target language.

TPR is commonly utilised while teaching English online and with young learners since it not only helps students recall vocabulary but also gives them an outlet for their energy and allows them to stay focused while sitting for lengthy periods of time.

An eclectic approach

You may have heard of TPR as an ESL teaching approach, but what precisely is it? Total physical response, in which students react to the teacher through movement such as miming, gesturing, or acting out the language.

When learning the word “sad,” for example, the teacher and pupils can make an exaggerated frown and pretend to cry. TPR claims that physical response, rather than analysis, is the most effective way for children to learn the target language.

TPR is commonly utilised while teaching English online and with young learners. This not only helps students recall vocabulary. This gives them an outlet for their energy and allows them to stay focused while sitting for lengthy periods of time.

Using a diary to write down comments, make revisions, and brainstorm ways to improve certain methods or procedures is a terrific approach to combining or developing teaching methods.

This isn’t the end of the list of ESL teaching methods! You can choose your favourite TEFL/TESOL approach from the list above, combine many strategies for teaching your ESL students, or create your own ESL teaching methods and techniques.

Want to learn more about teaching English? Check out our TEFL blog for more helpful tips.