Persistent use of first language
When teaching English as a foreign language, this is possibly the
most common problem. As an ESL teacher, it’s important to
encourage students to use English, and only English. However, if
students begin conversing in their first language, move closer to
the student. Ask them direct questions like “do you have a
question?” Another idea is to establish a set of class rules and
develop a penalty system for when they use their first-language.
For example: if a student is caught using their first-language three
times, have them recite a poem in front of the class (in English).
Remember, for the 1-2 hours they are in English class, it must be
English only. Make sure the activities you use are at an
appropriate level for the students and that the students have the
necessary language to cope.
It is important for the teacher to only communicate in the
language they are teaching, despite the student asking them
questions in their native language. Also, aim to encourage the use
of English where appropriate. The teacher needs to provide clear
and concise instructions to all class members to avoid confusion
and having students explain to each other in their native
language.
Student is defiant, rowdy, or distracting of others.
This will happen, no matter what, in every classroom. If the entire
class is acting up, it may be the fault of the teacher i.e.. boring
material or poor classroom management. If it one particular
student, you should react swiftly to show dominance. In order to
resolve the issue, an ESL teacher must be strict and discipline the
student if needed. If it continues to happen, further disciplinary
action through the school’s director could be pursued. Encourage
and promote pair work to allow students to practice in a safe
environment, with the support of a fellow student, before having
to contribute in open class discussion/feedback. Make use of role-
When teaching English as a foreign language, this is possibly the
most common problem. As an ESL teacher, it’s important to
encourage students to use English, and only English. However, if
students begin conversing in their first language, move closer to
the student. Ask them direct questions like “do you have a
question?” Another idea is to establish a set of class rules and
develop a penalty system for when they use their first-language.
For example: if a student is caught using their first-language three
times, have them recite a poem in front of the class (in English).
Remember, for the 1-2 hours they are in English class, it must be
English only. Make sure the activities you use are at an
appropriate level for the students and that the students have the
necessary language to cope.
It is important for the teacher to only communicate in the
language they are teaching, despite the student asking them
questions in their native language. Also, aim to encourage the use
of English where appropriate. The teacher needs to provide clear
and concise instructions to all class members to avoid confusion
and having students explain to each other in their native
language.
Student is defiant, rowdy, or distracting of others.
This will happen, no matter what, in every classroom. If the entire
class is acting up, it may be the fault of the teacher i.e.. boring
material or poor classroom management. If it one particular
student, you should react swiftly to show dominance. In order to
resolve the issue, an ESL teacher must be strict and discipline the
student if needed. If it continues to happen, further disciplinary
action through the school’s director could be pursued. Encourage
and promote pair work to allow students to practice in a safe
environment, with the support of a fellow student, before having
to contribute in open class discussion/feedback. Make use of role-
