Essential Tips for Helping Students Learn a Foreign Language
Insights from an Experienced Language Teacher
Bonjour! Hi! ¡Hola!
If you’re new to my writing, a warm welcome! I’m C Simone, a qualified Modern Foreign Language (MFL) teacher and TEFL-certified (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) tutor with 15 years of experience.
I’ve had the privilege of teaching languages in diverse contexts; teaching English in France, English, French and Spanish in the UK, and both English and French online to adults and children in Spain.
Here’s an example of a French former student in a school in Paris, introducing himself in English after I taught his class a greetings lesson in 2010. (Permission slips were signed to authorize use of the pupils publicly).
Throughout these experiences, I’ve learned that teaching a foreign language, comes with unique challenges and rewards.
In this post, we’re going to explore some essential tips that can help you navigate the complexities of teaching a language to learners from different backgrounds and proficiency levels.
Let’s get started! ✨
1. Know Your Own Language Proficiency 🟢🟡🔴
When teaching a foreign language, especially one you’re not a native speaker of, it is vital to know your own proficiency level in that language. Ideally, to teach beginners or lower-intermediate students, you should have at least a B1 level in the language you’re teaching.
To read details of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Self Assessment Grid in English, click the button below:
To read details of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) Self Assessment Grid in other languages click the button below:
Why should I have a B1 level?
A B1 level allows you to effectively explain grammar rules, manage classroom communication, and scaffold lessons for students who are just starting out.
If you’re teaching at higher levels (B2 and beyond), your teaching should move toward encouraging fluency, developing understanding, and engaging with more complex texts.
If you’re not yet fluent or at a comfortable level of teaching proficiency, consider focusing on areas where your expertise lies, or teaching a language where you’re more proficient. This will help ensure you can respond to students’ questions with confidence and clarity.
For teachers who are starting their language journeys and have been asked to cover MFL classes: there are many videos on:
BBC Bitesize - games for both primary and secondary students
DuoLingo - games, stories, matching exercises
Teachvid - games, quizzes, vocabulary videos
YouTube - language lessons and songs. Click for French German Italian Japanese Mandarin Portuguese Spanish
For free MFL printable resources:
Euro Club Schools - Resources for French, Italian and Spanish
Language Driven Pedagogy - Google Drive Resources for KS3 (11 -14 y/o) learners of French, German and Spanish
MFL Online - Resources in French, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Welsh - KS4 - KS5 (ages 14 -18 y/o)
Mingalaba - Football based resources for French, German and Spanish
WeTeachMFL - French, German and Spanish
2. Consider the Learning Context and Your Audience 👩🏫🤝👥
One of the most crucial aspects of teaching a foreign language is understanding your audience and their specific needs.
Are you teaching English which is a foreign language to your learner (s)?
Are you teaching native English speakers a foreign language, such as French or Spanish?
Are you helping an EAL (English as an Additional Language) student progress in their own language or learn a second foreign language?
The context of your lessons will significantly shape your approach.
Teaching Foreigners English: 🌍🗣️🇬🇧
If you’re teaching English to non-native speakers, you will need to be particularly mindful of the students’ linguistic backgrounds and tailor your teaching strategies accordingly.
In a classroom setting, include visual resources to help them, check out Pinterest for free printables or for inspiration.
Use simple language to explain concepts and be mindful to adapt your tone, speed and use body language.
If you know the student’s native language, use it as a bridge to explain more difficult grammar points, vocabulary, or cultural nuances.
Have your AI translator tool ready to translate on the spot if you don’t speak the student’s native language.
Be ready to switch between the two languages when necessary, especially for beginners or intermediate learners. The key is clarity, and sometimes the best way to clarify a point is to use the learner’s native language.
If you are teaching online: 💻👩🏫🌍
Find a teaching platform that already has an integrated translator tool in their classroom chat, this will save a lot of time!
Encourage the student to introduce themselves so you can assess their pronunciation, grammar, understanding etc.
Use the first lesson as a trial lesson where you can get to know each other and discuss what they want to focus on (if a teenager or adult), if teaching a child use plenty of interactive resources, games and songs to keep them focused and set homework to involve their parents and to reinforce the learning.
A great site to access online free resources for beginner - proficient level students of English (and particularly for those who wish to practice Business English, Grammar, Reading) is Engoo
A brilliant YouTube Channel for adult learners that you can incorporate into your online classes or give as listening practice for homework is Easy English
