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Friday, April 19, 2024, 3:02 PM
Site: Online TEFL Course Login | International TEFL Academy
Course: Online TEFL Course Login | International TEFL Academy (Home)
Glossary: ITA Online - Glossary
E

ELL

English Language Learner.


ELT

English Language Teaching.

Empathy

Although the educator may not be familiar with the ESL student’s culture or language, a strong attempt must be made to validate the student’s first language. It is very important that the teacher of an ESL learner empathize with the student’s position. The instructor should try to imagine what the ESL student is experiencing after being immersed in a new culture and new language for the first time.

Error Correction

An important issue for ESL teachers is when and how to correct the errors of language learners. Some researchers feel there is no need to correct errors at all, as errors will automatically correct over time. However, some researchers think that error correction is necessary in order to “get it right from the beginning” as opposed to in the end. Different classroom theories propose different solutions for error correction.

ESL

English as a Second Language. A program for students from other countries who are learning English in an English-speaking country (e.g., Korean students learning English in the U.S., or Polish students learning English in England).

ESOL

English for Speakers of Other Languages. This term is similar to ESL, but it has been argued that many students learn English as a third or fourth language and not necessarily as a second language, so ESL is not really accurate; therefore, some programs prefer to use the term ESOL.

ESP

English for Specific Purposes. This term refers to the vocabulary and English skills that students learn when they need to use English for only a specific purpose (e.g., in business contexts, BE/BFE, or at university, EAP).

Experiential Learning

A process of learning that encourages students to learn by doing and then reflect on that learning. Realia and authentic materials encourage experiential learning, as do activities like scavenger hunts, case studies, and role plays.

Extensive Listening

Listening for holistic ideas such as gist, context, speaker’s function, purpose, and attitude.

Extensive Reading

Reading for pleasure outside of the classroom, usually with texts that are below a student’s current level.