Learning a new language can be a daunting experience for non-native speakers. They will have to learn a new set of words, grammar and sentence structures just to name some. They might also need to understand colloquialisms in their journey as students.
As a teacher, your role is important here are ways to teach a different language to non-native speakers.
Cut the Class into Sections
A structure not just helps you but also your students. This approach allows your pupils to learn the new language at their own pace. Once they experience how you teach, they will adjust and learn the lessons faster than at the beginning of the semester.
You also would want to vary the organization of the class as the days go along. Monotony may lead to boredom on the part of your students. If they find your classes boring, they will not learn.
Diversify the Activities
Using French books for educators and teachers or other language textbooks are important to creating structure and flow in class; however, you also want to inject unpredictability. Use multimedia so that your students can visualize the words, sentences and grammar you are teaching them.
This also encourages them to work on their own and implement the language in their daily routine. Try group activities such as open discussions using the language you are teaching. These spontaneous but topic-based conversations allow your students to use the words, grammar and sentences taught in class.
It also lets your pupils experience different scenarios they might encounter in real life. Play word games, teach your students to write in a journal and test the aptitude of your students.
Provide Feedback and a Clear Grading System
Students want to know how well they have learned the language. Provide them feedback and tell them where they need to improve and which parts they excel in. Also, be clear about the grading system you implement in class. Be fair when giving As, Bs and Cs and show the reasons you gave them a particular grade.
Encourage Using the Language Outside the Classroom
Learning doesn’t end once the class ends; it should extend beyond it. Encourage your students to practice what you taught them in their regular routines. Little things accumulate and become habits. Ask them to speak in the lessons you taught them when buying items in the grocery store, talking to others, writing in a journal and even when thinking.
This allows them to become fluent faster and gain the experience they need.
Only Speak the Language in Class
Be strict when implementing rules in class about speaking the language. Encourage students to practice it whenever they are in the classroom. This practice forces them to apply what they learned, such as sentence structures, grammar and vocabulary.
Include Culture and History in the Lessons
Other than teaching language, make the class enjoyable by integrating lessons about the country’s history and culture. This approach allows them to connect the language with people. This lets them understand the meaning of the words they are using because language is more than the ABCs.
It is also about non-verbal cues and use of vocabulary depending on the context.
These are only some of the ways to teach a new language to non-native speakers. These encourage your pupils to not only use the language in a classroom, but also integrate it in their daily routines.