Nasir Naqi

Being an ESL teacher for the last 13 years, I have finally found, both my studies and my experience have taught me that there is no one method or idea that guarantees successful language learning. Instead, I believe there are many roads to effective teaching and learning, no one of which works for everyone. I also think that each teacher has to find a way to do this that fits with his or her personality and discipline, while considering the needs and goals of the students. This is true whether the class at hand are the beginners or an advanced linguistics course. One key to effective teaching is to create an environment in which students enjoy learning and gain confidence in their own abilities. Many students enter the language classroom with a sense of inhibition – even dread – because they feel they are simply ‘not good at language’. While it’s true that students have differing levels of proficiency and ability in language learning. I encourage all my students to participate as much as they can and to learn as much as they can. Students also take note of the fact that I arrive to class with a smile on my face, and that I make it a priority to learn their names. By doing this, I show my students the openness and respect that I expect in class, and my experience has always been that they react in kind. It is not enough, however, to simply create a positive environment in the classroom. Students also deserve clear explanations of the material, and thoughtful activities and discussion. It is particularly important to set a high standard for class activities and discussion in language class, as it can be easy to lapse into grammar drills. I find that when I make sure students understand my expectation of them, and when I present difficult concepts as clearly as possible, students tend to rise to the challenge.