ESL teachers deserve all our praises and respect. It is true that teaching in a conventional set-up is hard. But teaching another language, in a virtual set-up can be harder and quite a challenge. It is daunting enough that there’s a language barrier, let alone worry about the techniques teachers must use in order to instill knowledge to different types of learners.
To help you understand your ESL students, here are the basic types of ESL Learners and how to manage them:
WHO: VISUAL Learners WHAT: Visual Learners are those who prefer to learn through images, photos etc.
CUES: This type of student do better with charts, demonstrations, and other visual materials.
HOW: Use flashcards, puppets and whiteboard. Other activities that entice this type of learners are board games and puzzles.
WHO: AUDITORY Learners
WHAT: Auditory learners are those who prefer to learn through listening.
CUES: This type of student loves to read out loud, enjoy talking, like to sing and chant
HOW: Use musical instruments to aid the lesson.
They will surely enjoy singing with you.
WHO: KINESTHETIC Learners WHAT: Kinesthetic learners are those who prefer to learn through movements.
CUES: This type of student moves a lot, need plenty of external stimulation, respond well to “Simon Says”
HOW: Use TPRs and Gestures when giving instructions and examples. Play games that requires movement.
WHO: ANALYTICAL Learners WHAT: Analytical learners are those who prefer to learn through challenging thoughts and ideas.
CUES: This type of student focus on details, always ask ‘why’ HOW: Use indirect questions if the student understands the questions or instructions.
Teaching is not just a profession, but a calling. And it will be much better if we can iron out these simple bumps and challenges that you may hit along the way. Having learned the basic types of ESL Learners and how to deal with the way they learn, we are hoping that you will all have engaging ESL classes.
Happy teaching! Written by: Melanie Lawang
Thank you! This is of great help.