07 November 2014 / by Radmila Gurkova

7 Questions for ESL Teachers to Change ESL Education



My name is Liz Ward. I am an Australian teacher with over 30 years experience teaching students from age 5 yrs. to 12 yrs. I have worked in both public and private schools and spent 4 yrs. at an International School in Malaysia. I have also worked at an English Language Academy in Vientiane, Laos. I have experience in EAL (English as an additional language, one term within ESL) and working with students with Special Needs.

OxbridgeTEFL: What is English language teaching about according to Liz Ward?

Liz Ward: To me, English Language Teaching requires a specific teaching methodology and this is dependent upon objectives and outcomes of the individual lessons. We must always ensure that we are fulfilling the individual needs of our students. Approaches need to be tailored to suit the requirements of the language course e.g. the communicative approach may work for students who require English for everyday interactions, but students who need English in the academic field would require a more intensive approach where writing, speaking, listening & grammar are all targeted. The most important thing is to engage the students and empower them to take control of their own learning through positive language experiences. A skilled teacher continually adapts and modifies to accommodate individual student needs.

OxTEFL: Is ESL education in Spain sick or in good health?

L.W.: I do not have a great deal of knowledge regarding ESL education in Spain, but it appears to me that there is a wide variety of Language Schools offering varied approaches to language learning.

Students are also able to access ESL classes at school. I would consider Spain to be in the midst of an ESL boom with schools springing up all over Spain. There possibly needs to be some consolidation of the system.

OxTEFL: What is the English teacher's biggest challenge in the classroom?

L.W.: The teacher’s biggest challenge is to engage all students in the class and ensure lessons are relevant, effective and appropriate to the students needs. I feel the greatest challenge lies in teaching students who are attending lessons at someone else's request and not from their own desire to learn another language.

OxTEFL: What would your solution be to improve ESL education in Spain?

I would not even begin to assume I have enough knowledge of the system in Spain to answer this. I do think consistency in methodology and professional training are always an important part of any system.

OxTEFL: What do ESL teachers need to give the best of themselves as professionals?

L.W.: Teachers need to have a genuine love for their profession, to be engaging, creative and sensitive.

Learning is a life-long process and I believe that it is a partnership between teacher and student.

Teachers open the gate and the student walks through... We teach students how to learn so they can continue on through this life-long process. Teachers also need to continue to update their skills, knowledge and expertise.

OxTEFL: A memorable moment from your ESL experience?

L.W.: When I was teaching at a language school in Laos, I had a group of 25 doctors from a local hospital. When I asked what they really needed they answered that they needed to be able to communicate with English speaking patients, colleagues and present at conferences etc. We worked together to develop lessons and it was a delight to see these highly skilled and educated adults (mostly 40+yrs) enjoy learning through games, charades and even singing "Stand by Me".

It was a wonderful learning experience for us all.

OxTEFL: Your advice to new teachers or people considering becoming such.

L.W.: I feel teaching is a wonderful career and is an ever-changing landscape of growing and learning. To me, being organized is the key to being an effective teacher and you owe it to your students to always be prepared. I would also advise new teachers to 'go with the flow' when a teaching opportunity presents that may differ to the lesson you planned. Some of the best learning experiences come from diverging a little (as long as you achieve your objective) listen and observe your students, look for what engages and excites them.

OxTEFL: Best of luck in your ESL career!

27

October 2017
The teachers are in the epicentre of the Oxinity growth model
by Jonatan Buxeda
Today I'd like to share what we have...

17

October 2017
Frustration of Students: Common Scenarios and How to Manage Them
by Jushua Cutts
‘’Mistakes are he portals to discovery’’ Frustration is defined as the feeling of being upset or annoyed as a result of being unable to change or achieve something. This is a common feeling that ...

06

October 2017
Teaching kids: challenges and winning strategies
by Gabriel Ekoe González
In an increasing demand for English classes,  important points to consider when teaching kids are how to teach also what makes a good kids’ activity. Perhaps the most important thing to consider when teaching kids is their attenti...

04

July 2017
10 Real Reasons to do a TEFL Course in Spain
by Radmila Gurkova
TEFL Course in Spain - The time is now! July and August are the best months to decide to make the step into sunshine by signing yourself up to a TEFL course in September here in Spain. It's the perfect time to start something new. If you are a native English speaker or bilingual and you have an upbeat,...

04

July 2017
7 Tips on Giving Feedback to ESL Teachers
by Peter Nesbitt
Giving feedback to ESL teachers can be tricky, particularly when you have something critical to say. But yet it is also important, as without it, how can people learn? Sure, they can rely on their own self-evaluation of how they are doing, but if you have ever watched any TV talent show, you will see that a lot of people just aren't very good...

21

June 2017
Teacher Talks - Sharing expertise and experience
by Ryan Beaudelaire
Teacher Talks - Sharing expertise and experiences Things worth sharing We´ve had something up our sleeve for the last few weeks and we´re ready to do what we love and sha...

06

June 2017
Level testing: How to test a student's level?
by Ryan Beaudelaire
Level testing: How do you do it? Level testing...... Ooooh, lets talk! Unless you've been asked that awkward question outright: 'What level am I?' You won't know what's it like to to be a deer in the headlights and respond with something really daft in a high pitched voice like.... 'Yeah, really good!' Li...

02

June 2017
Teaching beginners: is translating really necessary?
by Radmila Gurkova
A big debate around teaching beginners has always been whether it is necessary or not to translate into the learners' mother tongue. Opinions are split and vary from definitely not to maybe sometimes yes or, in the other extreme, of course yes, translating is fast and effective. Translating seems straightforward and historically it has bee...

18

May 2017
Masterclass in ESL at Oxbridge to share and learn about expertise areas
by Gracia Guzmán
The Oxbridge English Teaching System (OETS) is made out of a wide and wide community of teachers from different countries and backgrounds. Offering a masterclass in ESL for different areas of expertise was necessary and easy at the same time, having in mind the richness of profiles of our community members. This is why we are currently devoti...

02

May 2017
Move to Spain - Have my life! It´s easy
by Ryan Beaudelaire
Move to Spain - Have my life! It´s easy! Last Sunday, this is how we spent our Sunday afternoon, chillin' up the Mountain at Montserrat! Just another mountaintop Benedictine monastery you know! ...