How to Teach ESL Students Writing
 In English as a second language classes, writing is considered the most
difficult aspect to teach. With grammatical rules and their countless
exceptions, writing is quite a challenge for teachers and their students. Its
complexities, concepts, and demands are too unforgiving for mistakes that many
teachers avoid teaching it and concentrate on other areas instead. Overlapping
with reading, listening and speaking, writing requires a higher linguistic level
to be able to come up with a readable piece of composition.
This skill is essential for students especially in the advanced levels. More
than just improving communication skills, writing can make a serious difference
in a student's future professional life. With constant practice and support from
teachers, ESL learners become more comfortable putting thoughts on paper that
are grammatically correct. Balanced exposure to both free and structured writing
activities can be effective in helping students get started. From simpler
concepts to more technical ones, students can work their way up and eventually
realize that the skills gained from being an effective writer are well worth
their efforts.
There are many strategies that can be utilized in composition classes. Here
are some points to remember when teaching writing to ESL students.
Good Writers Are Great Readers
 Though knowledge of grammar and sentence structure is demanded in composition,
reading many kinds of materials widens one’s idea of vocabulary usage and
sentence flow. The more exposure the students have to many varieties of writing
styles, the greater chance they can encounter usage that fits their writing
preferences. Additionally, this adds up to their schema which will help them
write about many different topics in the future.
Let Students Write About Things That Interest Them
When learners are given the leeway to tell about the things they know best, they
will strive to put their thoughts into writing. Though some may be challenged
with diction and structure, topics that excite them will most likely solicit
longer writing submissions and thus provide the teacher with more opportunities
to correct students' mistakes. When dealing with beginners, this can be
integrated with having to use adjectives, verbs or nouns discussed or introduced
in class.
Require Students to Keep a Journal
 Other than the structured writing exercises, a more personal account of things
students do in their lives recorded in a journal can be very good way for
teachers to track the kind of mistakes committed, the words learned, or the
structures adapted. During the first few journal entries there may be several
corrective marks. The frequency and kinds of mistakes present in the writing as
compared with that of the previous pages would give the teachers the idea of the
students’ progress in writing.
Design Writing Activities That Increase in Difficulty
Throughout the Class
After simple structured compositions are attained, start giving exercises that
require a much higher skill in the language. Also start from shorter writing and
eventually lead to essay-type composition levels. For students to get motivated,
provide quick feedback on their work and discuss the reasons behind the mistakes
they have committed as you return their papers. The sooner the teacher provides
the feedback, the more enthusiastic students will be to make necessary
improvements. Remember feedback should be clear enough that it leads the
students to the desired outcome or performance.
Develop the Over-all Language Skills
Though one may be teaching writing, it is impossible to just let students write
the whole term. In class, make use of activities like games and puzzles to
develop listening, reading and speaking skills. When the ESL student possesses
fluency, it is easier to construct thoughts, and thus, it is much easier to
write. What was heard or read can be good models for sentences in the written
form.
Conclusion
They said that teaching writing to an ESL student is like putting a neophyte in
front of the steering wheel. Some students would probably result to plagiarism
or some would not even start trying. Understanding the needs and challenges
faced by the ESL students is the key to giving proper help. When one is teaching
writing, it should be kept in mind that the class aims not mainly to make
students write, but for them to understand the nuances of the language and
successfully put them into writing. When students struggle to say something, it
is even more challenging for them to write it. As students make connections
between what they have heard, read or talked about and what they can write, they
develop the ability to express themselves in all areas and thus attain over-all
linguistic fluency.
Languages
Blogging as a Pedagogical Tool in ESL/EFL Writing Classes
ESL Classroom Strategies That Compel Students to Communicate
Top 10 Ways to Improve English Skills Without Spending Much
The Benefits of Language Exchange Partnerships
How to Help Students Become Self-Directed
How to Teach ESL Students Writing
How Can a Non-Native Teacher Instruct in English
Top Five Reasons Students Commit the Same Grammar Mistakes
Boosting ESL Students’ Confidence in Speaking
Using Authentic Texts in Language Teaching
Teachers as Facilitators in Language Classrooms
The Benefits of Learning English Free on the Internet |
