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In tutoring programs like ours, Practical English is relegated to the lowest-level
students – the beginners. And even then, tutors may want their students to progress quickly. Research indicates that students, by level, minimally need 100 contact hours for each level gain. As tutors, we can forget that our students are learning English as a Second Language, not English as a Foreign Language.
Does the English we teach them in tutoring sessions help them with that?
Practical English may not be covered in textbooks, and when it is found, it is formal. Students who only learn the rules or practice with highly structured material need more confidence to speak or engage with others who do not speak their primary language. These students are uncomfortable using English to discuss superficial topics beyond phrases or sentences because they need more confidence to experiment with the language.
Where to Start?
Students want vocabulary and skills that are relevant to real-life situations. Lessons should focus on practical language use, including vocabulary and phrases they can use in everyday conversations, work settings, or specific contexts relevant to their lives.
Use the LDP Learner Competencies document to guide the identification of practical English skills students need to build a solid foundation for making progress. All levels of students need solid control (using all communicative skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing) of the competencies highlighted in the 0-1 level chart. From there, progressively use the Learner Competencies document to assess and build your student's communicative skills.
Dialog practice helps students overcome their fear of speaking English, use vocabulary in context, and clarify misunderstandings in a safe environment. As a tutor, you want to make the practice interactions as authentic as possible and create a supportive environment. Once your student feels comfortable with dialog practice, transition the activity to Role Plays. Using these situational activities as a launching point, students interact and conduct their business in real-world scenarios, which were practiced with these methods during tutoring sessions.
Refer to your copy of Teaching Adults: An ESL Resource Book, pages 58–63 for more detail about dialog and role play methods.
Click here for three Practical English Lesson Plans which are adaptable to all levels of students.
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