Dear Colleagues
The topic of this discussion was prompted by the endless discussions of what distinguishes EAP/ESP teacher from EFL teacher. Your contributions will be of great help not only for ESP teachers as I think, no matter where we are working (I mean country and context), we are teaching English and/or help our learners to learn English. But how?
While working on the National ESP Curriculum, the team of Ukrainian teachers have based it on generic job-related skills required in a variety of professional areas and situations (2005:39).
For detail see: http://www.britishcouncil.org/esp_1.pdf
So, it is quite natural that EFL teachers also use skills generic for their professional area. How do you think can any of generic skills mentioned in the ESP Curriculum be generic for EFL teachers? Eg. giving presentations, reading for specific purposes etc.
What SKILLS can be considered generic for EFL teacher no matter who are his/her students, i.e.
WHAT an EFL teacher should be able to do or can do in different learning/teaching situations?
Zira
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Dear All
Unfortunately, there were no answers to my previous posting, but I think it's worth thinking about skills for EFL teacher. Personally I do this by reflecting on my own teaching and learning experience. As the result of my reflections, I would like you to think of study skills not only of your students, but of your own.
How do YOU think whether basic study skills are essential for continuing professional development? If yes, which ones? What skills do you use or in need to develop professionally?
Thanks in advance.
Zira
Madam, I think native english teachers have in a advantageous position as far as the spoken skills are concerened. But regarding study skills we are in no way inferior to them. In fact we are sometimes far superior to them because we read very extensively. I think basic study skills like skimming and scanning are essential for EFl teachers. Any a teacher needs to be student whether he/she teaches the mother tongue or the other tongue. I hope the other scholars who are more knowledgeable than me will throw light on your blog.
yours sincerely,
JVL NARASIMHA RAO
Dear JVL NARASIMHA RAO
Great thanks for your contribution to the discussion. I can't but agree with you that language skills and speaking skills, in particular, are very important for EFL teachers. I also support your idea that ' basic study skills like skimming and scanning are essential for EFl teachers'. Any other ideas on essential skills for EFL teachers?
Besides, who knows are there any differences between study skills and learning skills? Or they are the same?
Should EFL teacher develop their learning skills or basic study skills are enough to become an EFL teacher?
What do you think? Looking forward to hear your voices!
Dear Zira, Thanks a lot for your comments.The task of english teachers teaching english either as a second language or foreign language is always challenging.If he/she teaches in a native english speaking countries it is all the more challenging because he/she has to teach with native like fluency and accuracy as far speaking skills are concerned.That is why native english teachers are generally preferred to non native english teachers.Anyhow the teachers of efl or esl should know english for specific purposes,different registers and the native idiom,usage and accentbesides mastering vocabulary and reading and writing skills.Generally teachers of efl or esl read extensively and so their vocabulary is good.They have problems with their speaking skills
Regarding your second question, I think, learning skills and study skills are not the same.Learning may refer to all the four skills while study skills may refer to only reading skills.These are only my comments.Other scholars may or may not agree with my opinion
yours sincerely,
JVL NARASIMHA RAO
ANDHRA PRADESH
INDIA
Hi everyone
What do you think if we as teachers are developing within our students study skills which include organisation and self-awareness, should a teacher have good organizational skills, i.e. be self-organised and self-awared?
Aren't they incorporated into classroom management skills?
Zira
Dear Zara,
Nice to see you and read your ideas. I do think the teacher should both possess and develop organizational skills, as well as self-organizational, presentational, communicational and other skills. I don't believe that you could teach your students to be well-disciplined or a good presenter if you were not ( and knowing you a bit I am sure your students possess a lot of necessary qualities).
Dear Raina, Your question is worth answering.How can a teacher impart good organisation and managerial skills among the taught if he/she lacks them?A teacher is the best guide and facilitator for the taught anywhere at anytime in the world.
JVL NARASIMHA RAO
ANDHRA PRADESH
INDIA