For second language teachers to be effective in the classroom, they need to plan their way. Maximizing the time for total exposure of the language in class will benefit the learners especially the ones acquiring it as second or foreign language.
While teachers routinely plan for their lesson, aligning the objectives and the activities, some failed to notice the language that they use in the classroom. No! I am not against the usage of native language or first language (L1) in the classroom but I hope teachers capitalize pupils knowledge of L1 for their excellence in the second language.
How?
When teachers gave instructions, they need to be patient. Use gestures and do not be afraid if no one understands it. Try multiple times. Remember, language learning is not concentrated on achieving the lesson objectives only but it is attributed into number of ways to be successful.
This was what I tried during my teaching days and it work! Over time, your pupils will understand and even mimic you before you even had the chance to finish your sentence.
Okay, back to discussion.
In Malaysia, majority of the English Language teachers in the national schools are non-native speakers. Therefore the language is not natural to us. We acquire it through learning, in institution and enhance it through self-learning. When I say it is not natural, then we have to plan it. Just like we plan our lesson.
What to say?
When to say?
How to say?
Who to say to?
Here are some tips to get you going, consistently, optimistically, and patiently with correct and appropriate classroom language.
1. Understand why you need to use the language you are teaching.
- For maximum exposures.
- Teaching listening and speaking informally.
- You are paid to do so!
2. Categorize the classroom language. For example greetings and farewells, attention grabber, praises and encouragements, classroom organization and instructions for the 4 skills of the language.
3. Practice with friends or record them for assessment.
4. Experiment it with your class often to see the kind of language that suits them.
Give it a try without resorting to L1 after 1 second of delivery. I did it and I have seen others that try and achieve if not much, little success.
Never give up!
