A method in language teaching refers to the course outline and textbooks used. A method usually revolves around an accredited textbook system that sets the pace of the class concerning new material learned and goal achievement. A strong method is the background for the teacher who then can add his own strategies and activities along with the learned material in the textbook. A good method is clear and welcoming to students and comes with an exercise workbook, CDs and DVDs for listening activities.
Aside from the multimedia that accompanies the textbook, additional multimedia in the classroom, such as film, cartoons, music and interactive computer games, helps to engage students better than textbook learning alone. If a student is interested in English, she will learn better. Show films with English subtitles to help connect listening to reading. After the film, students can discuss important concepts and if advanced enough, write a report. English music is a great translating activity that teachers can assign as homework, where students translate English songs into their native language.
There is more to learning English as a second language aside from the academic aspects. What most students desire from English is the ability to communicate with native speakers fluently, naturally and comfortably. As such, conversation is a critical skill that students must first practice in the classroom. Every lesson should include a role play or open conversation concerning the topics discussed in class. Discussing current affairs topics is a great way to encourage students to watch English new broadcasts and read English newspapers. Encourage students to cut out and bring newspaper stories of interest to class to help start a free discussion.
Once students learn book language, they need to apply it to actual use. Projects and presentations are ideal for language classes as it allows the students to focus on something, such as a cultural topic, other than the language itself. The language is applied and used to communicate the project but is not the project itself. Slide show presentations, posters, skits, collages or homemade documentaries on a cultural aspect of English-speaking countries allow students to choose from a variety of topics that interest them the most. Other projects and activities include writing scripts or menus, participating in organized debate or mock government and even performing and filming a television newscast and weather forecast.
When incorporating additional material into the course, selecting authentic texts written by native speakers rather than textbook-written material is beneficial as it most likely more interesting and true in meaning. Short stories, poems, plays, magazines, movie scripts and even novels will not only interest the students but will make them feel like they are working on something genuine, something that native speakers might also study.
One of the most effective teaching strategies is to incorporate laughter and fun into your lessons. If your students are not enjoying what they are learning, it is more difficult for them to retain learned subject material. The course should follow a guideline with specific goals, but it should also cater to students' individuality. Studies show that humor or jokes in the classroom help to facilitate a sense of ease and comfort to help make learning easier. Humor when learning English also helps students transition into colloquial conversation with native speakers more easily.