Many of us in the teaching profession might not know the various acronyms that have been used to describe our work. When I first learned about the profession that involves teaching English to those who speak different languages, I saw it described in the form of “ESL.” In the years since the moment (about thirteen years ago) various other terms (e.g., EFL, ESOL as well as ELL) have come into my attention that basically get the same idea. They are still used to make it clearer what is happening in the various learning settings.
ESL that is English as a Second Language , is the process of studying English in an area in which English is spoken by the majority or the main language. For instance students from non-native English speaking countries that travel in Canada and the U.S. and Canada for long periods of time, learn English as a second language. They learn English to communicate with the predominant language of the area where they live.
EFL which means: English as A Foreign Language means that you are studying English in a non-English-speaking nation. For instance, Chinese students who are in China who are studying English can be considered EFL students since English does not happen to be the official language in China. However, if the exact students resided in U.S. learning English, they would be considered ESL students.
ESOL definition: What exactly is ESOL? The meaning behind the term ESOL is English for speakers of Other Languages. It is applicable to both ESL as well as EFL contexts. The term was coined in response to arguments by some individuals that when students learn English in the country of native English speakers (ESL) the students aren’t necessarily learning an additional language. It could be the student’s fourth or third language. It is possible that English as A Second Language is not a complete description and not complete in its definition.
The term ELL means: English Language Learners is often used in K-12 settings. However, it was noticed by me that some school districts choose to utilize terms like ESOL (English SOL) (English Speakers of Other Linguistics) for their students. This could be an issue of choice.
ESP means: English for Special Purposes comprises students who are learning English within specific contexts of certain subject of work, profession, or area. For instance when I taught the legal aspect of English in China I taught English in the legal context. Students had to learn English for law school at an American university, where the professors are all native English native English speakers.
How do you effectively teach EFL
Five helpful suggestions for teaching EFL for students
Learn the name of each student It will allow you to build their trust.
Encourage your students to use only English in your classes.
Create a lesson plan and plan activities so that you are aware of what your students will be doing every lesson.
Find out the English grammar and the vocabulary that your students already are familiar with.
Be flexible in your teaching and modify them to meet the needs of your students and their capabilities.
