Tutor Tips - How To Encourage ESL Learners To Speak English

Many ESL students have trouble using their newly acquired language. Using "directed dialogues" can help ease their fears.

First pick a situation, e.g., making an appointment, talking with a teacher, ordering an item by phone, etc. Write out what each speaker will most likely say. Read the dialogue to the student several times. Discuss any unfamiliar words. Have the student copy the dialogue. Then take turns being each speaker. Practice and review. Encourage student to put these dialogues to use.

Once the student is comfortable and fluent you can expand the dialogue by making it longer and more complicated.

Collect these dialogues and review and practice them occasionally.
(Reprinted from http://www.oaklandliteracy.org by C. F. Weiss)

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