ENGLISHCOURSESUSA | LEARN ENGLISH IN THE USA
  • ABOUT
  • Get Started
  • Services
    • ARGO
    • COLLEGEY
    • CORT
    • Cturtle
    • ELSA
    • Unilodgers
  • GET SMART

How to Handle a Discussion-Based Class When English Isn't Your First Language

10/31/2017

 
Picture

​The idea of taking a class in English when you are not a native speaker can be intimidating. The concept becomes even more unsettling when the course in question is a discussion-based class with frequent speaking opportunities. Despite this, there are several ways that you can prepare for your course and become more comfortable speaking English in front of others. For instance, you can:
 

Speak with your instructor

If possible, schedule a meeting with your teacher before class begins—ideally face-to-face. Use this meeting to provide your instructor with some background by explaining who you are, where you’re from, and that English isn’t your first language. It will likely help for your teacher to be aware of this, as he or she may be able to work with you to develop strategies for the course and discussion more specifically. Don’t be afraid to continue speaking with your instructor throughout the course, and to let him or her know if you are struggling.
 

Practice your speaking skills

If you’re nervous about talking in front of the entire class or a smaller group, practice your speaking skills outside of the classroom. Find a family member, friend, or roommate who is fluent in English, and spend time conversing with that person. Having regular conversations in English will help you improve your language skills.
 

Read and write in English

In addition to speaking English as much as possible, you should also practice reading and writing in English. Reading, in particular, will introduce you to new words. Try reading varied publications, such as magazines, novels, newspapers, textbooks, and so on in order to develop a well-rounded vocabulary.
 

Talk to your peers

Once your class has begun, don’t be afraid to let your classmates know that you’re not a native English speaker—especially if you are assigned to a smaller discussion group. Your peers will likely be understanding about your situation, and they may even be willing to help you with your language skills and to spend time practicing with you outside the classroom.
 

Consider working with a tutor

If you are truly struggling in your class, you can also seek the help of a tutor to work on your English skills—or on any other subject that you are concerned about. On the other hand, if you have a good understanding of all your subjects, you could volunteer to work as a tutor, which will give you another chance to practice your English skills. Explaining a concept to another student is a great way to refine your language use.
 

The key to begin handling a discussion-based class when English isn’t your first language is to practice English as much as you can, and to communicate your situation with those around you. With a little experience under your belt, and the understanding of others, you should have little problem making it through your discussion-based class.
 
​
Catherine Martin is a contributing writer for UniversityTutor.com, the world’s largest global marketplace for finding independent tutors.

Comments are closed.

    EnglishCoursesUSA

    Your one-stop destination for English language programs, tools, products and resources.

    Picture
    Picture
    Top ESL Blog Site Badge

    Archives

    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    August 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

EnglishCoursesUSA.com

Do you want to learn English ?

Connect & Apply to  English language programs, secondary schools, universities and colleges with the assistance of our advisors.
 
Learn & practice  English online with our quizzes, games and podcasts or download ESL books and more!

Picture

About     Advertise     Contact     Submit     Product     Partners     Privacy     Refunds     ​Terms

ESL.COM Copyright 2022
  • ABOUT
  • Get Started
  • Services
    • ARGO
    • COLLEGEY
    • CORT
    • Cturtle
    • ELSA
    • Unilodgers
  • GET SMART