500 Tips for TESOL Teachers

by Phil Race, Wharton Sue

There has been a growth in the number of teachers involved in teaching English as a foreign or second language. This handbook contains practical suggestions for EFL teachers, and aims to lead to ideas which can be tried out at once. Lists of useful resources and pro-formas are included.

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 1999

Reviews

[CTEP]

500 Tips for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages by Sue Wharton & Phil Race I chose a book this month about teaching English to speakers of other languages (namely Spanish-speakers) to get an idea of what my students are learning in their school, how they suggest teaching English, and how I could improve my knowledge of teaching English (or assisting in the process) as a tutor for Spanish-speaking students. Though the book is more geared toward a traditional TESOL teacher, some of the chapters and contents were relevant to me in my work because it helped me see better how people go about acquiring English language skills in the school system here. The book addressed the different elements of learning/teaching a new language: vocabulary, pronunciation, listening, reading, speaking, writing, and grammar. It also offered some techniques for practice such as games, literature, role play, current events/news stories, etc. This book was interesting because it also incorporated technology as a part of curriculum and language learning. Chapter 5 is entitled, “Using Information and Communications Technology,” and promotes setting learners up with e-mail, using computer conferencing, choosing computer-aided learning packages, designing computer-delivered assessment elements (grading, etc.), and giving learners feedback using e-mail. I have noticed that a lot of my students communicate with their teachers and check their grades online, which is useful not only in improving their English skills, but in improving their technology skills in a country and century where technology is one of the most important and practical tools we use. This book is important in relating to my work at La Escuelita because a lot of our students are in ESL class, and as an after-school program, it is good to be in touch with what our students are learning and practicing. It is helpful for me to know practical tips in how to go about “teaching English”, or at least be aware of the elements of language that the students need to grasp in order to be successful in their schooling, in our culture, and ultimately in their jobs and lives as they grow up. Though it is not solely my job to teach them a new language, I can assist them in learning English by helping them with their homework (even biology or algebra) and indirectly teach them things about the English language that way. Learning English is critical for 100% of the population I work with, so it is important that I assist in that, while still allowing the students to see La Escuelita as a place they can speak their own language, hang out with their own friends, and relax into their own culture.