Teaching English Language Learners

Perla explains what she did in her own words:

I decided to teach an English class for people in Mexico. I think this was by far one of the most challenging but amazing event I have ever been a part of…This activity that I decided to do I think was very interesting to do because never in my life had I given a class before and I never imagined it to be via zoom. I decided to organize this activity for people in Mexico who wanted to learn English because it was something that was helpful and useful in their daily lives. I emerged myself into this community to care for their needs and help them develop a practical language. I decided to care for this community and do something to connect these group of people from all around the world to make a connection with the English language… I was able to look at everyone and give them that time and person to person connection…I was able to learn about their interests, their likes, why they found an English class very useful in their everyday life. I was able to connect this activity to moral values, embracing a different community and learning about them as a person.

 

Are YOU interested in organizing a class and teaching people something that YOU know about? Here are tips from Perla:

• Have around the same level of English for all of the participants. Having people who have the same English level allows the participants to really be able to learn and engage in conversation without one person overpowering with a higher level of English.
• Take the time to plan and execute the material beforehand and be prepared to answer any questions that might be thrown at you. Being prepared will allow the class to run smoothly and for the time frame to go accordingly to everyone’s schedule.
• Make the class as engaging as possible, being via zoom was even more challenging to try and make the class engaging so preparing activity practices before is a great tip.
• Practice the class with someone of trust so that you can practice, test your internet, and receive feedback about what could be improved.