Teaching English is rather different with teaching other subjects since we teach the learners skills of communication. But that doesn't mean that it can't be achieved. However, we should know what is actually the concept of learning a language, namely English.
First of all, we are to aware who are called by English Language Learners. Well, English Language Learners are the students (learners) whose first language is not English. It means that they are learning English as a Second Language (ESL) or as English as a Foreign Language (EFL). Here, in Indonesia, we are considered learning English as a Foreign Language since we don't use it on our daily communication, but at schools, offices. or special occasions.
There are basically some concepts in learning a language, namely:
1.Developing language is something the human brain does well. It means that humans are naturally programmed to learn language. We learn languages from a young age, which we call be become native to that language. For example, we are Indonesian native speakers since we speak and are surrounded by that language. For ELL, teachers should try to surround their students with language rich environment. In other words, we have to create as much English-used atmosphere for them.
2. Learning language is not always easier for children, because they have to learn concepts as well as names or labels. Meanwhile, adults learners just have to match labels to concepts. But, of course, we can unintentionally teach children English by often play English songs or read English stories. This way, children will be familiar with, at least, English words, even though they don't know the meaning.
3. English Language Learners learn in different ways and at different speeds. There is no standard on how a learner should learn English since everyone has their own learning style, level of education, as well as parents backgrounds and experiences. So, knowing your students is a better way to decide which teaching style that can applied to them.
4. Learning a language takes time. Learning other language means that we learn the culture where the language comes from. It will relate to some words that are only available in that language which sometimes are not known in other culture. For example: Here, in Indonesia, we don't have a Halloween celebration, yet we sometimes are given the word and the story about it. To gain oral fluency, sometimes a student need 3 to 5 years. But just remember that lack of English doesn't mean lack of intelligence.
5. Students need meaningful interaction and practice, so the teachers should provide them much time to use the language in a real life situation as well as provide a variety of exposure for them to do this activities.
6. Silence is acceptable. Teachers need to allow time for students to process and experience the language. For instance, after we explain something to our students, mostly we will ask this famous question "Do you understand?" That is not a wrong question, even though we can ask them by "What is ....? or What do you know about?". However, when that happens, we should allow them to think because the connection between L1 and L2 may take a few extra seconds. If they don't respond you right away, it doesn't mean that they don't get the idea. They just need some time to think and consider the best answer for the question. And when they are ready to answer our questions, be supportive.
7. Do you know that errors should be expected and acceptable? Yup, in learning a language, errors is necessary in order to make the students learn and aware of something. When they do make errors, use gentle correcting techniques and encourages students to try again.
So, if we understand these concepts, teaching English will be fun and exciting. We juts have to create interesting exposure or environment so English Language Learners will feel comfortable in learning the language.
