Sometimes a picture is worth a thousand words, and this is particularly true when teaching English as a second language. Visual aids can be used to teach everything from vocabulary to prepositions. In addition to instructional advantages, visuals keep lessons interesting for the learners. If possible, get access to an overhead or slide projector for effective presentations. If the teacher is constantly talking, learners of English as a second language will never get a chance to practice.
Group work gives students an opportunity to practice the language.
It is also a good idea to group students with different first languages together when possible. Teachers of English as a second language need to repeat everything at least three times. They should also vary the wording of their remarks. A student may know one set of vocabulary but not another even when the topic of discussion is the same. Our first instinct as teachers of English as a second language is to correct student language errors.