Tips for the Teacher of English as A Second Language

Abstract

Language teaching has changed considerably in recent years as a result of research in linguistic studies. The audio-lingual approach has replaced the traditional method of learning a language by studying printed words and the rules governing their arrangement. Language is now considered as a set of speech habits and the rules of grammar as a description of these habits. Hence, language is taught today chiefly as a tool of verbal communication. This does not mean that reading and writing are neglected in favour of speaking and understanding. On the contrary, they are essential communication skills and receive due emphasis in modern language teaching. However, the teacher’s main task is to present and drill oral patterns as it is recognised that speech patterns are the basis of language. Once the patterns have been mastered orally the pupils should have no difficulty in symbolizing the orally-learned material in written form, and in understanding the written form in the act of reading.