The communicative method of learning English as a Foreign Language frowns on students using their native language to communicate with each other or with their teacher in the classroom. While certain language schools and teachers absolutely forbid the use of students' native language in the classroom, other schools and teachers are more lenient, because there are some words and phrases that are absolutely essential in the classroom.
Problems arise, however, when students are allowed (in some cases) to use their native language in certain instances. For example, if a teacher tells his or her students that using native language for translation is acceptable, students may get in the habit of simply asking their classmates (in their native language) or consulting their dictionaries (which may give them the right definition in the wrong context), instead of asking their teacher for definition.
Another problem arises when students are not confident in their speaking skills. EFL students may resort to actually speaking more of their native language than English. This is a rather major problem, because the communicative method of teaching EFL teaches that the only way English learners can become better English speakers is if they practice speaking English.
Here are some simple and effective ways of eliminating (or drastically reducing) on the amount of native speaking spoken in an immersion English classroom.
Tips on Encouraging Children to Speak More English and Less Native Language in EFL Class
Unless the child is a very young learner (5-years-old or younger), there are many things that English teachers can do to encourage the use of speaking English in the classroom.
- English teachers can create a contest during the class. Teachers can keep a tally of whoever spoke their native language. At the end of the class, the child with the fewest marks wins a prize.
- Teachers can draw stick figures on the white board or chalkboard, each representing a child. When a student speaks in their native language, the teacher can erase a body part. Whichever stick figure is fully intact at the end of the lesson wins a prize.
- EFL teachers can draw a stick figure on the board that represents the teacher. Invite the students to "kill" the teacher by erasing a body part whenever a junior student speaks his native language.
- Small prizes (such as stickers or small toys) can get a great incentive in getting kids to stop using their native language in class unless it is a complete emergency.
Tips on Encouraging Adult Students to Speak More English in EFL or ESL Class
The main reason why most adult students (particularly at the intermediate level) speak a lot of native language (also referred to as L1) in their immersion class is because they are simply not confident in their English-speaking abilities.
This phenomenon can also vary by countries and regions. For example, in certain countries, mediocrity is not accepted in school. In some countries, students of all ages are pushed at an early age to excel. In some cultures, it is not socially acceptable to be anything but the best at what students attempt to accomplish.
While it is sometimes difficult to get these types of students to speak at all, here are some tips that may help the EFL teacher in class.
- Teachers can create a warm and safe environment in the classroom, encouraging students to feel as though the class is a "safe place" where it is OK (and, in fact, necessary) to make mistakes while learning to speak English.
- EFL teachers can speak to students patiently and in an understanding way.
- English teachers can patiently say, "Can you say that in English? Can you try to say it in English? Can I help you translate what you just said into English?
Last Resorts When Nothing Else Works and English Is Not Being Spoken Enough In Class
Teachers should check with their school's regulations on implementing the following "drastic" measures when dealing with students who are intermediate-level above who can't stop using their native language in class, and the teacher feels it is affecting their learning.
The most drastic measures to take are the following:
- Inform the class verbally, and with a poster, that speaking native language (L1) in class cannot be tolerated unless it is an emergency.
- Explain to the class that their grades will be affected on this issue.
Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a thrilling and exciting career. A new TEFL teacher will encounter many obstacles as a teacher, and L1 speaking in class is just one of them. Maintaining composure at all time, and, above all, being patient with the English learner is sure to reduce any problems that may arise.
Read more about strategies for TEFL teachers: The Communicative Method of Teaching English and How to Teach Conversational English.
