Certified ESL Educator
In my opinion, the ESL environment must be positive, structured and relevant in nature.
Positive
People learn best when they feel at ease and happy. It is not something to be left to chance. Teachers need to display an upbeat and positive disposition that will encourage the investment of positive energy from students. A positive classroom, which learners look forward to attending each day, lowers students� inhibitions and gives them further motivation to learn. One way I attempt to create a positive atmosphere is by starting each lesson with a special activity intended to set the tone for the class, such as dissecting a funny idiom or relating an interesting story.
Structured
Lessons should flow in an organized, cohesive and accumulative manner. Teachers need to prepare and be prepared to deliver their lesson. By �structured�, I don�t mean scripted or inflexible. A lesson must never be so rigid that it cannot take a needed diversion. Teachers always need to remain flexible to the needs of the students. A lesson must be organized in a progressive and systematic way while having the flexibility to respond to the needs of the student.
Relevant
A successful ESL curriculum has real meaning for the lives of learners. Focusing on practical situations and corresponding language functions is actually imparting the student with power to manipulate the world around them in order to accomplish their goals, whether they are large or small. It is this relevant knowledge and the promise of meaningful power that motivates language learners to take risks and acquire the target language.
A Focus on Culture
Culture is at the centre of language learning. While learning English, the student is engaging the culture in which the language was created and is still being created. Conversation about culture can help students to understand the meanings of various idioms and slang usages that wouldn�t �make sense� if interpreted literally. It also helps to explain the psyche of English speakers.
If done sensitively and respectfully, the classroom can serve as a unique forum for intercultural dialogue and learning. Learning about other peoples� ways of life creates interesting conversational topics, builds rapport between the participants and encourages communication and dialogue.
Conclusion
In my opinion, the ESL classroom is really a structured dialogue in which all participate, and the teacher serves as guide. The focus of the dialogue is practical language usage that has real meaning to the lives of the students. Technical grammatical information is a tool to increase understanding and monitor language use. Cultural considerations, as related to language, are explained; intercultural dialogue is encouraged and used in a sensitive way to promote communication and build a tolerant atmosphere where all are accepted and every person�s language goals affirmed.