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This unit covers a variety of challenges ESL teachers may come across in the classroom. One of the best tips for a first class is to avoid using the textbook and focus on group activities so as to build rapport with students (and between students, if they haven't worked together before). Focus on having the students sharing about themselves, their needs an aspirations as well as their interests. This will help set the foundation for future success in the class and give the teacher a sense of the 'bigger picture.'
If you end up with a large class, it's important to avoid individual drilling and focus on worksheets, pair and group work, choral repetition and having group leaders appointed.
On another note, it is essential that teachers void using the students' native language at all times. If the students get even the slightest hint that you understand what they're saying, they will default to their native language. As a result, it does not motivate them to use and explore English.
Another challenge teachers may face that I personally have encountered is having reluctant students. How can we bring them out of their shell and get them engaged in class? The best answers are to use plenty of pair work (it helps them feel safe), controlled practice, role-play (acting as somebody else!) and tape recorders (in which they practice recording what they would like to say).
Last but not least is quite possibly the greatest challenge ESL teachers face in getting their students to make progress on: using listening texts. This is all the more reason to make it a regular part of the students' classroom experience. Not all students will be at the same levels, so be sure to have activity sheets/worksheets for those students who finish early. This allows those who move at a slower pace ample time to complete the listening exercises too.
Of course, there are numerous challenges ESL teachers can face – most of which were covered throughout the previous 19 chapters.
