Use of English in the Classroom

Many ESL teachers working with young learners rely on use of the children’s first language when it comes to classroom management. Why is this? Some teachers lack confidence in their own use of English but in many cases, teachers are more concerned about losing control of the class – especially with students who have a low level of English.

Effective use of a range of classroom management techniques can greatly enhance a teacher’s ability to manage a class without using the students’ first language. When teachers simplify the language they use, it is much easier for students to follow what they are saying. Non-native speaker teachers should not feel self-conscious about using straightforward language in their instructions.

Less experienced teachers can plan what they are going to say, using simple language and short, straightforward sentences. For example, instead of saying, “Well, now we’re going to do a group activity so what I want you to do now is to get into groups of three… or perhaps four… no, on second thoughts, three would be better…” it’s a good idea to say, “Make groups of three” and then use gestures indicating groups of three.

Imagine that a teacher wants to check how much ‘fruit’ vocabulary their students know. The teacher could say, for example, “Which foods are fruits? Can you give me any examples..?” Giving examples is a good way to help students understand instructions – but eliciting examples is even better.

Then the teacher could say, “OK, great. Now. Work together (gesture). Make a list of all the fruits you know.” Then demonstrate: “Let’s start the list together. What’s number one? Two? OK, great. Keep going!”

Giving short, simple instructions, eliciting examples, using the board, using questions to check students’ understanding and demonstrating tasks are all useful techniques to help teachers set up tasks effectively. If teachers feel it is absolutely necessary, they could use the students’ first language to double-check that the instructions have been understood.

It’s true to say that every teaching situation is different. However, if the goal is to encourage students to feel comfortable speaking as much English as possible, it makes sense that teachers should be setting a good example – and setting up an activity is the perfect opportunity for genuine communication to take place between teachers and students.