As an EFL teacher, you should know that teaching English is more than just teaching grammar rules and vocabulary lists.
English and any other foreign language are tools for communication and self-expression.
And through the power of communication in EFL classes, you have an opportunity to motivate and inspire your students into action.
When you support and encourage your students to speak a new language, they build confidence and an “I can do hard things” mentality.
As an EFL teacher, you can encourage students’ innate curiosity and push them to not just comprehend English but to use it to connect with people from other cultures, articulate ideas, and effect change.
Language Learning Requirements
Language learning requires active engagement, risk-taking, perseverance, and a growth mindset. To achieve these requirements, you should:
- Make your EFL classes spaces where students feel safe to make mistakes.
- Ask questions, debate ideas, and challenge assumptions.
- Create an atmosphere of support and collaboration among students to push them to unlock their potential.
Through thoughtful lesson planning and facilitation, you can promote the use of English for self-expression, critical thinking, and thoughtful global citizenship.
Language is not neutral; it conveys perspectives, mindsets, and values.
As an EFL teacher, you have an opportunity to motivate a generation of engaged, empathetic global citizens through English language education.
Be Intentional About English Language Teaching
Let’s be intentional about English language teaching so that students will be able to understand diverse worldviews, develop a strong sense of self, and take informed action.
I welcome your thoughts and ideas on how we can realize this vision.
Please reply with your insights on motivating language learners to take positive action.
And if you look forward to thriving in ELT, you can try out my best growth strategy:
