10 TESOL Tips: Exploring the process of learning
1 Motivation is essential for English language learners. There are two types of motivation: intrinsic, when learners already have the desire to learn, and extrinsic motivation: this is when you, the teacher, support learners by demonstrating the benefits of achieving certain learning goals. Try to make learning a fun and rewarding experience. You will achieve the most rewarding results when both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation work in harmony. If a learner seems to lack confidence, don’t automatically assume it’s a motivational problem.
2 Learning-by-doing is essential. The majority of learning occurs when learners actually practice using English. They try; they make errors, and subsequently learn from these errors and discover language during this process. It’s essential that learners have lots of opportunities to experiment with new language. Make sure that practice is targeted using authentic exercises and not simply on activities that fill time. Keep it real!
3 Feedback is vital. Learners need to be aware of their progress. It is essential for them to know if they have successfully grasped how to use a particular feature of the language. Both teacher and peer feedback should be constructive and timely for it to be effective. Be sure to return feedback on any written work as soon as possible.
4 The need to learn English can be just as positive as the simple desire to learn it. If language learners understand the benefits of their learning, in real terms, they may be more motivated to achieve their learning goals, even if they have difficulties.
5 It needs to make sense. There is limited value in rote learning. Learners need to understand the how and why of what they are engaged in. When learners analyze the process of their learning, and understand how it is occurring it gives them more ownership of the experience.
6 Learning is not simply storing new knowledge. English learners need to put that knowledge to creative use in both familiar contexts and new ones. Help learners to learn both sequentially and holistically, and to find ways to optimize their learning experience through using all of their senses.
7 Language learners pretty much take their cue from their teacher regarding the way in which they are expected to learn. If you simply supply them with information – most likely they will simply store it. If you plan your teaching sessions to empower learners to practice, apply, extend, compare, contrast, evaluate and engage - they will also adopt these as integral parts of their learning process.
8 Assessment is a strong driver for learning. Language learners can often be strategic in the way they structure their learning to enable them to perform at their best based on how their learning is assessed. The methods and tools of assessment along with an appropriate timeline can be utilized to effectively help learners organize their own learning process.
9 Learning is not simply a solo activity. Yes, learners can do a lot themselves using various resources such as books, the internet, apps and other learning resources. But they can also learn a lot through talking and collaborating on tasks with other learners.
10 Improving as a learner is important. Many language learners value the real skills they acquire through learning more highly rather than maybe curriculum-based or course-based learning goals. Improving their learning skills by using course material as the vehicle gives learners an additional and transferable life skill. Highly developed learning skills are an asset!
2 Learning-by-doing is essential. The majority of learning occurs when learners actually practice using English. They try; they make errors, and subsequently learn from these errors and discover language during this process. It’s essential that learners have lots of opportunities to experiment with new language. Make sure that practice is targeted using authentic exercises and not simply on activities that fill time. Keep it real!
3 Feedback is vital. Learners need to be aware of their progress. It is essential for them to know if they have successfully grasped how to use a particular feature of the language. Both teacher and peer feedback should be constructive and timely for it to be effective. Be sure to return feedback on any written work as soon as possible.
4 The need to learn English can be just as positive as the simple desire to learn it. If language learners understand the benefits of their learning, in real terms, they may be more motivated to achieve their learning goals, even if they have difficulties.
5 It needs to make sense. There is limited value in rote learning. Learners need to understand the how and why of what they are engaged in. When learners analyze the process of their learning, and understand how it is occurring it gives them more ownership of the experience.
6 Learning is not simply storing new knowledge. English learners need to put that knowledge to creative use in both familiar contexts and new ones. Help learners to learn both sequentially and holistically, and to find ways to optimize their learning experience through using all of their senses.
7 Language learners pretty much take their cue from their teacher regarding the way in which they are expected to learn. If you simply supply them with information – most likely they will simply store it. If you plan your teaching sessions to empower learners to practice, apply, extend, compare, contrast, evaluate and engage - they will also adopt these as integral parts of their learning process.
8 Assessment is a strong driver for learning. Language learners can often be strategic in the way they structure their learning to enable them to perform at their best based on how their learning is assessed. The methods and tools of assessment along with an appropriate timeline can be utilized to effectively help learners organize their own learning process.
9 Learning is not simply a solo activity. Yes, learners can do a lot themselves using various resources such as books, the internet, apps and other learning resources. But they can also learn a lot through talking and collaborating on tasks with other learners.
10 Improving as a learner is important. Many language learners value the real skills they acquire through learning more highly rather than maybe curriculum-based or course-based learning goals. Improving their learning skills by using course material as the vehicle gives learners an additional and transferable life skill. Highly developed learning skills are an asset!
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