An ELP (English language program) is centered round an English teacher. Philosophy of Teaching of an English teacher, according to ELP, should ideally be to create an encouraging positive atmosphere, which helps rather than hinders, motivates rather than weakens an English language learner.
Hence, there is no element of wonder in the fact that every high-paying job-opportunity as an English teacher these days necessitates philosophy of teaching as the prime requisite. Conversely, for an English teacher, philosophy of teaching has become a major marketing strategy. TEFL/TESL aspirants, therefore, make it a point to include their teaching philosophies - all essential skills and qualities and specialties in their CV and portfolio.
As said, an English teacher's philosophy of teaching should be to bring the maximum benefit to a student with the power of his/her English knowledge and awareness. Teachers are guided by their own philosophies while teaching ELLs. Anyways, whatever be your philosophy, it should reflect in everything you do with your students and guidance you provide them - right from your approach to your means and goals. Make the philosophy a part of your class activities as well as that of your assessment strategies and adhere to them while teaching.
Remember what the renowned scholar William Arthur Ward had said of teachers? The great teacher had said - "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." As an English teacher, this should outline your philosophy of teaching. To be an effective ESL/EFL teacher, you really do not need to be an authority in English as a leader, helping the learners in the learning process.
Your success-rate will be high if you encourage student participation and that should dictate your philosophy of teaching. Adopt the co-operative approach, allowing the students to bond, communicate with each other, sharing ideas and views on topics taught during class-sessions. This collaboration pursued as class-activity, will sharpen their reading, writing, speaking and listening skills side by side honing their social skills.
Include interesting accounts and personal anecdotes to arrest your students' attention but a more effective approach will be to engage your students (both mentally and physically) in positive, meaningful pursuits of their own liking. This will give your wards a sense of ownership of their own work. Thus, if you are thinking of a writing or discussion workshop for beginners, ask your students to choose the topic. Their awareness of the subject matter will be enough to boost their confidence, making them more at home with their writing and speech.
While you are teaching grammar to your students, the best idea for you will be to teach them with the help of examples. This introduction will make your students more comfortable, giving them a safe environment to test their capabilities.
On no conditions, however, should an English teacher confine ones philosophy of teaching to just guiding. Venturing in known arenas does help your students but then it will stagnate their minds. You certainly cannot let that happen as an English teacher. Philosophy of teaching demands that you inspire your students. Do not delay. Incite new lines of thought in them by challenging and questioning them and see how your students make headway with their English.
Communicating and listening are the two activities that comes top in our minds when faced with the eternal issue – What are the best practices in teaching English.