Methodology of English Teaching at QIBA
QIBA students come from many cultural and education backgrounds. Because of this, there are many different expectations about English course structure, classroom management and the role of teachers. QIBA is proud of its great experience in English Language Teaching and QIBA programs are used as a model for ESL-teacher training at Griffith University.
The following points may help you understand the choices we have made to best help your language development at QIBA:
- EFL (English as a Foreign Language) or ESL (English as a Second Language) ?
EFL: When you study English in Japan, Thailand, Switzerland or Spain, the teacher and the textbook are the only model of English you can use to learn the language. There is little contact with native speakers or real-life resources such as newspapers, television, etc.
Such courses traditionally concentrate on grammar and translation. Also, Reading and Writing are considered more important than Listening or Speaking.
The Foreign Language (English) is analysed through the first language (German, Japanese, French, etc.) with little attention paid to ‘survival needs’ in everyday communication.
In EFL-classrooms, the textbook tightly controls the English language input and the language is studied more as a school-subject than as a communication tool.
ESL: When you study English in an English speaking country (Australia, USA, UK, New Zealand, etc.) the community of native speakers, the news media and real-life interaction are more important sources of language than the textbook.
The teachers at QIBA help students develop English as a Second Language, which (for the time you are in Australia) replaces your First Language.
Things you did outside the classroom in your own country in the First Language are now done in English. Therefore, a textbook alone should not control the language-input. Instead, English must be used to solve everyday communication problems.
Listening and Speaking become as important as Reading and Writing and vocabulary is learned through interaction with many people, including the teacher.
At QIBA we encourage our students to think in English. So we don’t ask you to translate from First Language into English. We ask you to develop English as a Second Language (ESL). English is the tool you use to express your needs, your feelings and your thoughts, while talking with native speakers.
The teachers introduce topics and create situations in which you must practice English for a real purpose. This real language is analysed in the classroom so that you become gradually aware of the rules of grammar. Grammar and Vocabulary are developed from real language in use.
- English Course Structure at QIBA
Most students who enrol in English courses have learnt some English grammar and vocabulary in their own countries. Many have not used English for real-life communication before.
We place students in a class level based on their ability to use English (not their passive knowledge of English) and based on their study goals. This means that not every student in a class has the same knowledge of grammar or vocabulary.
However, all students in a class are able to cope with the same language-input from the teacher (and texts used) and are able to complete the same tasks and activities.
Each individual student develops his/her own language according to his/her needs and interests.
The speed of language acquisition and learning further depends on other factors such as:
Past English learning experiences, motivation to learn the language, contact with native speakers outside the classroom, self-directed learning strategies, individual learning style, etc.
You may move to a higher level class when your ability to use English has improved. Usually we will give you a communicative language-test in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening to measure your readiness for the next level.
Each class level uses one core-text with supplementary materials and worksheets as well as many ‘real-life’ samples of English in newspapers, journals, television programs, etc.
- Classroom management
Many students from other countries are used to a traditional classroom where the teacher strictly controls all student talk. Particularly in large groups, the students have very little opportunity to practice oral communication skills. Classes at QIBA are kept small so that each student has every opportunity to communicate and practice speaking with each other and the teacher.
QIBA teachers are friendly and helpful to all students in their classes. The teacher’s role is to facilitate language learning, not to control students’ behaviour. After all, most of you are adults and you have already been educated and have lived a full life in another country.
Please enjoy the easy-going relationship with the ESL teachers. They are your Australian friends. We ask all students to cooperate in maintaining a happy, relaxed English classroom atmosphere.
- How can students help themselves with English Language learning?
- A good language learner uses every opportunity to communicate with native speakers.
So please join a sporting club or a social group and make many new friends in Australia.
When in a homestay, don’t lock yourself in a room, but force yourself to mix with family members (even when difficult at first). - A good language learner analyses his/her own language constantly and compares it with that of native speakers.
So review all class lessons at home and talk about your real life communication problems with your teacher. Make notes in your diary about words or expressions, which you didn’t understand. - A good language learner takes responsibility for his/her own language learning.
So don’t always wait for the teacher or the homestay parent to suggest things to do with English. Use the self-study (self-access) time to visit the Gold Coast City Council Library or to practice listening, using QIBA video- and audio-tapes or attend some business and computer tutorials.
At home: review grammar points, learn new vocabulary and practice the structure of sentences, read magazines and write notes in your diary, watch current affairs programs and movies, and above all … have fun with your English speaking friends!
- A good language learner uses every opportunity to communicate with native speakers.
- Be honest and patient
This is the most important point. If you are confused about our Academy routine or English
lessons, please talk! Let us know how you feel. Don’t pretend that you are happy, when you
are not.In Australia it is polite to tell the truth. It is not polite to tell a lie!
We can only change things when we know what the problem is.Finally: be patient. It will take a few days or even a few weeks to get used to our way of teaching.
Often what seemed very strange in the beginning becomes very normal after living in a
new culture for a while.
Good Luck!
Mr Helmer Lich, Director of Studies - QIBA