Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, the practice known as TESOL, can be both challenging and rewarding. To effectively engage English Language Learners, or ELLs, educators can create dynamic learning experiences for students of differing abilities and interests. Those methods range from deep discussions of poetry and personal narratives to creating fun memes or interpretations of short films.
Through the University of Mount Saint Vincent (UMSV) online Master of Science (MS) in Childhood Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Dual Certification) program, educators are equipped with the tools needed to implement these strategies effectively.
What Is TESOL Certification?
TESOL certification is the professional credential that qualifies teachers to teach English as a second language. No single degree or certificate in TESOL authorizes a professional to teach English as an additional language in all fields, according to the TESOL International Association. While job requirements are specific to the employer and state where an individual seeks to teach, most schools require a bachelor’s degree and some type of TESOL certificate.
Programs like UMSV’s online dual certification in Childhood Education and TESOL prepare educators to meet the diverse needs of ELL students, offering both foundational knowledge and innovative strategies for making language learning fun.
UMSV’s coursework deepens into multicultural education and instructional methods that connect with English language learners. The Teaching English as a Second Language I course provides educators with the processes behind second language acquisition, the different characteristics of learners and the resources that ESL teachers need.
Student teachers also develop new skills through the Teaching Across the Content Areas: Methods of TESOL, Grades Pre-K-12 course. The course links together different subject areas, including science, math and social studies, so that educators can effectively teach language and content to their students.
Engaging Students With Creativity and Game-Based Learning
ELL learners learn more effectively when they are given opportunities to express themselves and share their unique experiences while practicing language skills, according to the TESOL International Association. Encouraging students to write personal stories not only helps them improve their writing and speaking abilities but also fosters cultural exchange in the classroom.
Students can describe a memorable event from their childhood or talk about a significant cultural tradition. Teachers can transform storytelling sessions into collaborative learning activities, where classmates provide feedback, ask questions, or even act out portions of the story, further promoting language development in an interactive setting.
Another method of engaging students includes introducing short films into classroom learning, according to the TESOL International Association. Without the distraction of spoken language, students can focus on describing what they see, creating their own dialogue or interpreting the characters’ emotions and actions. This not only enhances their speaking and listening skills but also encourages critical thinking and creativity.
Educators can also harness the power of GIFs and memes to make learning English more exciting. By having students create their own memes or GIFs, educators tap into the students’ creativity while reinforcing language concepts, according to the TESOL International Association. Students can create a meme that conveys an idiom or explains a grammar rule, helping them better understand complex ideas through visual and humorous representations.
In addition, educators have found widespread success with incorporating learning games into their lesson plans. Platforms like Games to Learn English and Quizlet, as well as popular phone games like Heads Up, have proven to be highly effective because they motivate students to participate more actively in class, according to Preply. Introducing games and allowing students to engage with each other can reduce the barriers of traditional language learning and encourage students to practice English in real-life scenarios, according to a report from the TESOL International Association.
Prepare For the Future of English Language Education With UMSV
With courses emphasizing both theoretical knowledge and practical application, UMSV’s online Master of Science in Childhood Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Dual Certification) program prepares teachers to incorporate engaging learning activities and interactive games into their instruction. By understanding the needs of ELL students and applying these innovative techniques, educators are ready to transform the classroom into a vibrant environment where learning can come alive.
Learn more about the University of Mount Saint Vincent’s online Master of Science in Childhood Education and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Dual Certification) program.
