Anyone learning a new language can easily become overwhelmed. There are new words and new pronunciations to learn and none of it makes sense at first. English can be particularly difficult to learn due to our word and spelling variations. Because of this, most English as a Second Language classes will include functional practice. This is putting learned words into action.
Conversational English:This is used to practice words used in everyday conversations. Give students practical applications for the words and sentences they are learning. The benefit of using conversational English is that the student can memorize the words and fit them into a conversation. This is most often done between two students trying to practice their English.
Role playing game:Often this is done between the instructor and the student. The instructor will play the role of a waiter or other person with whom the student has to talk. The student listens to the English spoken by the instructor and also responds in English. This also puts the words and phrases that have been learned to practical use and also gives the student the opportunity to recognize the English words that are spoken.
Practical applications:Once the students become familiar with the language, the instructor can organize a kind of excursion. The idea is to put students in a public situation where they need to understand and be able to speak English. The instructor intervenes only when necessary.
Writing:There are many different apps used to practice writing in English, including essays and stories. Learning to spell the language is a completely different experience than learning to speak it.
Singing:Singing is another way to practice putting language to use. Students learn to substitute English words for their native language in familiar songs.
The more practical applications that can be used when teaching English, the better the student learns. The student’s total absorption in the language application slowly turns into a virtual sink-or-swim situation in which the student will participate and understand the exchange or be unaware of what is being said.
Of course, these immersion sessions are done after an accumulation of language learning and practice. The more practical applications that can be used when learning English, the better the language will be understood. Functional practice ensures that the student will be able to express himself in different situations and will also be able to understand what is said to him.
Over time, the English language becomes more familiar and begins to make more sense as they have used it in many different practical situations. This method of instruction has proven to be very successful and is widely used to teach English as a second language. While the student may not learn all the nuances of the language, she has the opportunity to practice it and get to a point where she understands English and can make herself understood when she speaks it.