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.
0 komentar:
Posting Komentar