 Re: English vs. ESL
The approach to teaching ESL and teaching EFL differ to some extent. Mark is absolutely right when he says that ESL instruction is more like support. As a result, the teacher may construct a lesson with the understanding that the students will leave the class and immediately use the language.
In EFL instruction, the classroom may be the only exposure to English during the week. So the teacher must use classtime to not only present new target language, but to adequately practice it. Equally important, the teacher must provide the opportunity for free(r) activities in which the students mix the target language of the lesson with previously studied material and personal areas of interest. For example, students study the future tense in terms of plans (be going to). They then interview classmates on plans for the weekend, asking follow-up questions to gather more information. Everyone not only uses the target language, but also other aspects of English. If research is to be believed, this improves retention.
Another point of EFL instruction focuses on motivation. Students studying English in a non-English speaking country will likely see less need for English. The could become less motivated as a result. Part of the class, especially with adults, is to show all the myriad uses and needs for English, as well as to demonstrate how their lives can be enriched by becoming capable speakers. |