Initial Teaching Methodology

[Niko]

Beginner ESL Students

It's generally believed that the initial phase of learning a foreign language should be based on intensive oral practice.

The more vocally active the student is from the very beginning, the faster, it is assumed, the foreign language is learnt.

However, is this really the correct way to teach beginner ESL students? Students who cannot even understand simple greetings will be lost with a teacher who focuses purely on verbal communication.

Intensive oral practice, be it listening or speaking, works well amongst those who are subject to the language on a daily basis. It is not suitable for beginner ESL students trying to learning a foreign language when living in their own country.

Textbook use is of paramount importance for beginner ESL students when they only have the opportunity to study the language a few hours a week in their own country.