The number of English as a Second Language (ESL) learners in the U.S. has doubled from 1996 to 2011. These students face difficulties in the classroom as they try to keep up with students who are native English-speakers. ESL students in public schools must demonstrate English speaking and listening abilities in order to meet federal Adequate Yearly Progress standards. Teachers should focus on active listening, ensuring that students understand the lesson. Students should be encouraged to speak English as much as possible in order to gain proficiency.

Encourage active participation. A lesson should include several comprehension checks to ensure students' understanding. Simply listening to English is not enough to gain fluency. Give an assignment and then ask students to repeat the instructions to you. Any words or concepts students don't understand can be incorporated into the lesson.

Create role-playing scenarios for students to practice day-to-day exchanges with their peers. Present the topic and allow students time to learn the vocabulary. Give each student a card defining their role. One student may be a cashier and the other a shopper, or a coach and an athlete. Present guidelines for the activity demonstrating what topics must be addressed. This allows students to practice speaking with each other and to demonstrate listening skills by reacting appropriately to their partners.

Play a game to improve listening skills and allow students a chance to speak. Students sit in a circle and close their eyes. Make a noise while their eyes are closed, such as tapping on a desk or rustling a pile of leaves. Ask students to open their eyes and tell you what they heard. Model the appropriate answer for the students by saying, "I heard tapping on a desk," or "I heard the rustling of leaves." Allow another student to make a sound while the others' eyes are closed and ask the students to identify the noise.

Have students watch a short scene from an English-language movie. After viewing the scene, ask students to explain what happened. Watch the clip twice if necessary. Split students into groups and have them reenact the scene using their best English. They must concentrate on listening to the dialogue and using their knowledge base to help recreate the scene.

Instruct students to answer questions in complete sentences to ensure comprehension.

Don't teach too many new concepts in one class. Focus on one objective and allow students to gain mastery before introducing new topics.