English as a Second language (ESL) is a term mostly used in countries like India, Thailand, Bangladesh or other non-native countries where English is termed as a second language. Over here the learner could be a good English speaker but English would not be his native language. ESL comes as a relation to learning English with respect to reading, writing, speaking and listening. ESL and its curriculum take in to consideration the culture, bilingualism and the influence of society on the learner. In India ESL learning is focused with day to day experiences of an Indian so that he gets to relate the language with his own life.
a. Teaching English as a Second language
Teaching English as a Second language is a strategized learning program with tried and trusted techniques and practice lessons. The comprehensive course package and lesson plans have a step-by-step approach to developing English skills. Some of the steps that constitute ESL teaching are:
* Teaching basics of ESL: Basics of English language are covered in this module where the learner is a beginner while the teacher can or cannot be a fresher professional but surely seeks some experience in the advanced levels of ESL by stepping on this ladder. The ESL teaching deals with right from the common jargons and lesson plans to the minor queries and doubts interactively cleared in the classrooms.
* The techniques of ESL methods are made abreast to the teacher along with activities and various learning programs. This could range from innumerous teaching tools such as books, props for easy assimilation such as 'Alphabet blocks', pictures, charts, cassettes and hearing aids. The teachers can explore various other innovative approaches such as music, blogs for interactive learning, group discussions and learning and so on.
* For advanced learning mode the teacher first makes sure that the learner has a thorough understanding of the basic concepts of ESL and is ready to apply the studies practically without many hindrances. The step-by-step method of teaching carries forward to advanced teaching programs such as the 'advanced learners practical program' which are practice sessions held in the classrooms with an interactive approach to enhanced English learning.
b. English as a Second language in Schools
In schools the curriculum and syllabus of ESL is standard and mostly runs the same throughout. The changes arrive with changing patterns of different boards that govern the educational system of a particular state. In India however we have two main kinds of boards as regards Non-international levels. They are State board education and Central board education system. The similarity is that both the systems emphasized ESL with well tried and proven syllabuses but the difference lies in the choice of books which are assigned as a part of the syllabi. However both the systems maintain a well designed pattern of learning ESL and motivate the students to focus in refining its skills seeing to the global importance of English language. Besides there are also international schools with an international board but these have English as a first language.