ESL, or English as a Second Language, and is a growing field all over the world. There are many ways to teach ESL, ranging from individual to small groups to large classrooms. When teaching to individuals and small group, a teacher can more easily tailor lessons to suit the learners. However, with the larger class sizes, this would take too much time, and a different strategy is needed. Some teachers are opposed to the use of text books in ESL, but as we will see, there are also distinct advantages.

Beginners
If you are teaching a beginner class, a textbook is an invaluable resource in a larger class. Students at the beginner level will have to learn the basics of the language, such as the script and basic syntax. Textbooks will have these, and students will be able to cover the work in class as well as study on their own time with the textbook. Each lesson will advance their knowledge, and larger classes can make use of "chunking" techniques which a smaller class would not be able to complete. A favorite activity used in the "chunking" method is to have students sing songs in the target language. At the beginner level, they can sing simple songs such as "Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes," which the teacher can work into the lesson by switching the order around and calling out different body parts.

Dialogues & Experience
Larger class sizes have the advantage of being able to work in groups for role-play assignments. Sometimes their textbooks will have a scenario and ask students to write a dialogue in the target language. Using the textbook will ensure that students are not being asked to perform above their level of learning. For example, a class may have 30 students, and the teacher can split it into 10 groups of five students. Each group could be asked to write a five-person dialogue in a given everyday situation. The teacher should explain that students should draw from their own experience to write the role-play. If necessary, the groups can consult dictionaries to come up with new words to use in their scenarios. The teacher can incorporate new words in the activity that students must include in their dialogues as well. This activity then lets students see and use new words of their own or their teacher's choosing in a natural way and in context.

Class Speaking
Many students who enroll in ESL classes already have a good knowledge of grammar either from knowledge of their mother tongue or from studying English in their home countries from a Grammar Translation method. Many ESL students will require practice at speaking and application of their knowledge of English. One of the better activities one can do to get students speaking is to have class discussions. Some teachers feel it is imperative, however, to ban the use of native languages in the ESL classroom. If a student is allowed access to their native tongue, they will always take the easy way out. Activities like class discussions, formal debates, lectures and presentations are great activities for ESL students. In completing the research while preparing for the activity, students will be contacting the English language at many different levels. All of this exposure to the language increases their interaction when they are speaking in class.