Teaching English At University: Effective Strategies And Techniques

Teaching English to university students can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience, especially for those looking to teach abroad. English is a dominant language in the global economy, and as such, there is a high demand for English teachers in many countries. The biggest and most accessible places to teach are in Asia, with some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, such as the Philippines, Vietnam, and South Korea. For those looking to teach English at a university level, there are a few things to consider, such as the teaching qualifications required, the type of institution, and the methods and challenges of teaching adult learners.

Teaching English as a second language

Lesson Planning and Structure

Lesson planning is crucial when teaching ESL. It helps to define the different stages of the lesson, the order of tasks, and lesson objectives. A well-structured lesson plan ensures that your classes run smoothly and that your students remain engaged. Break lessons into small pieces to avoid overwhelming your students. Each piece can be around 10 minutes, followed by a switch to a different type of activity to refresh and maintain their attention.

Building a Foundation

Start with the fundamentals. Teach the alphabet and numbers, and then progress to phonics and basic grammar. You can use flashcards with a word starting with each letter of the alphabet to reinforce these lessons. When teaching numbers, begin with counting up, then move on to counting down and counting in larger numbers.

Communication and Rapport

As an ESL teacher, your primary goal is to help your students communicate effectively. Therefore, it is essential to create a positive, thought-provoking, and motivating learning environment. Build rapport with your students, address any unpleasant situations, and pay attention to their individual needs. Remember that each student is unique, so utilize different teaching styles to cater to diverse learning preferences.

Correcting Mistakes

Understanding when and how to correct mistakes is an important aspect of ESL teaching. Be mindful that some students may feel embarrassed or unprepared when they don't understand something. Check for understanding regularly and provide opportunities for them to apply their learning.

Practicing Instructions

Giving clear instructions can be challenging, especially when your students don't speak English natively. Practice explaining instructions for assignments or activities, and don't forget to speak at a natural pace, pausing between sentences to give your students time to process the information. Learn to read the room and body language to gauge your students' comprehension and engagement.

Encouraging Practice

Encourage your students to practice their English skills beyond the classroom. Suggest following English-speaking social media accounts, engaging with English-language news sources, and interacting with other English learners. This will help them improve their language skills and gain confidence in using English in their daily lives.

Remember, teaching ESL often requires specialized skills, training, and cultural sensitivity. By empowering your students with English proficiency, you are helping them unlock personal growth, enhance their career prospects, and join a global community.

Lesson planning and resources

When planning lessons for university students, it is important to consider the specific context and needs of the students. For example, if you are teaching in a non-English-speaking country, the students may have different cultural backgrounds and language skills than those in an English-speaking country. Additionally, the level of English proficiency may vary among the students, so it is important to assess their skills and design lessons that are appropriate for their level.

There are several resources and strategies that can be used to teach English to university students effectively. One option is to use ESL (English as a Second Language) or TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) lesson plan templates, which can be adapted to suit the needs of your students. These templates can cover a range of topics, including grammar, vocabulary, listening activities, and conversation practice. You can also incorporate visual aids, such as diagrams and illustrations, to help students understand and remember the material better.

Another important aspect of lesson planning is choosing the right teaching materials. While textbooks can be useful, they may not always be engaging or relevant for university students. Instead, you can incorporate a variety of resources, such as films, short stories, and reaction papers, to make the learning experience more interesting and interactive. Additionally, consider using technology to your advantage, such as online platforms or mobile apps, to engage students and provide them with additional practice opportunities.

Finally, it is essential to establish clear classroom rules and expectations, especially when teaching conversational English. This will help create a respectful and productive learning environment, ensuring that students are engaged and focused during class. It is also important to be flexible and adaptable in your teaching approach, as university students can have diverse learning styles and backgrounds. By incorporating a variety of teaching methods and resources, you can cater to the needs of your students and help them improve their English skills effectively.

Classroom management

When teaching English to university students, it is important to remember that teaching adults is very different from teaching children. Adults have different needs and require different, sometimes more strenuous, teaching methods. University students are more mature and can be expected to work hard and focus on learning. Their attention spans are longer, and they are less likely to be distracted. However, they can also be more demanding.

In terms of classroom management, it is important to set clear rules and expectations for your students. This is especially important when teaching in a foreign country, as maturity levels and cultural norms may differ. For example, a teacher in South Korea noted that classroom rules are very necessary for a conversational English class at a Korean university. Without rules, students may walk in late, disrupt the class, or sleep or chat at the back of the class.

It is also important to consider the teaching methods and materials you will use. While it is important to be a good teacher, university students can be more demanding and may require more creative or engaging teaching methods. Lesson plan templates can be adapted to suit the needs of your students and can include grammar, vocabulary, listening activities, and more. It is also beneficial to have some flexibility in your teaching methods and to be able to adapt to the needs of your students.

When teaching English as a second language, it is important to be mindful of the challenges that your students may face. They may be complete beginners, or they may have different cultural references and ways of learning. It can be helpful to use visual aids, memory aids, and creative teaching methods to engage your students and help them learn. Additionally, when teaching abroad, it is important to be aware of the job market and the requirements for teaching positions. These can vary depending on the country and institution.

Qualifications and experience

A TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) qualification is often required for official teaching positions at universities, and it is a good idea to gain some teaching experience before taking on a university role. This could be through university-run programs or self-organized initiatives, such as advertising your services on campus.

If you are looking to teach English abroad, your passport can also make a difference. If you hold a passport from the USA, Canada, the UK, Ireland, New Zealand, Australia, or South Africa, your chances of finding work are much higher. However, it is still possible to find teaching positions in less competitive markets with a passport from another country.

When it comes to teaching English to university students, it is worth noting that it is a very different experience from teaching children. University students often require more strenuous teaching methods and demand more from their teachers. However, they can also be easier to teach as they tend to be more mature, respectful, and have longer attention spans.

While qualifications and experience are important, it is also essential to be adaptable, creative, and engaging in your teaching approach to ensure high student evaluations, which are crucial in many universities.

Job opportunities and salaries

Teaching English to university students is a great way to earn money while travelling and experiencing new cultures. There are many job opportunities available worldwide, especially in Asia, Europe, Latin America, and beyond. The biggest and most accessible places to teach are in Asia, with the economies of the Philippines, Vietnam, and South Korea being some of the fastest-growing in the world.

Salaries for teaching English to university students vary depending on the country and institution. They can range from $800 to $5,000 per month, with additional benefits such as flight reimbursements or free housing. South Korea, China, Japan, Taiwan, Gulf Arab States, and Vietnam are among the top-paying markets for English teachers, offering competitive wages and attractive savings opportunities. For example, English teachers in South Korea typically save around 50% of their salary each month, which can amount to over $15,000 per year.

To teach English at a university level, you will likely need a bachelor's degree or a four-year degree in any subject, such as a BA, and at least one year of experience teaching English. Some institutions may require additional qualifications, such as a TEFL certificate, prior teaching experience, or a higher degree.

There are different types of positions available, including part-time, full-time, and permanent roles. Part-time positions typically involve teaching a few classes per week, lesson planning, grading assignments, and responding to student inquiries. Full-time positions offer more stability and usually come with one to ten-year contracts. Permanent positions are rare but highly sought after, as they offer higher salaries, better benefits, and titles like assistant, associate, or full professor.

Overall, teaching English to university students offers a unique opportunity to explore the world, immerse yourself in different cultures, and earn a competitive salary. With the right qualifications and experience, you can find a variety of job opportunities that suit your interests and career goals.

Frequently asked questions