The pervading problem in using English as a secondary language lies in speaking it. Quite often, English teachers find that most people have no problem reading and writing in English. However, when it comes to engaging in conversations, they are quite timid in using the language.
Common Setbacks in Speaking English Confidently
According to studies, one of the primary reasons why so many people struggle in using the English language in conversations is the way it is taught in traditional schools. There’s more focus on the rules of grammar and memorizing words. Practical application of English as a second language usually takes a backseat.
In addition to that, most people do not wish to practice speaking in English until they have perfected the rules of grammar. They approach learning the language as if they are learning how to drive. The problem with this practice is that they won?t get too many chances of getting the grammar wrong and of correcting these. Additionally, English is a skill that is mastered through consistent practice, and that should naturally involve numerous trials and errors.
And lastly, there are non-English speakers who believe that they can only speak the language when they have reached a certain level of proficiency. They look to that certification to feel confident in speaking the language, which only derails the fullest development of their English skills.
The Advantage of Taking Spoken English Courses Offered By Training Institutes
Due to those identified setbacks, more and more people are relying on training institutes when it comes to learning English as a secondary language. Many who wish to pursue higher education or a career in English-speaking countries find that the practice-focused approach applied by training institutes is more effective than typical classroom lessons.
A spoken English course in an Abu Dhabi training institute combines different teaching methods, and much attention is directed toward developing students’ confidence in speaking the English language. It’s more effective for the following reasons:
1. Native speakers usually teach the language.
With native speakers providing instruction on how the English language should be spoken, it’s easier for students to learn the correct pronunciation of words.
Also, native speakers use the English alphabet for instruction. Thus, there?s less confusion on how letters truly sound. This is crucial because pronunciation is a must in ensuring completely understandable conversations.
2. The course includes a lot of common phrases which are useful in casual conversations.
Unlike in classroom learning where there is often a serious atmosphere in presenting lessons, the spoken English course in top training institutes tends to use a more casual approach. A lot of common and easy phrases used by native English speakers are taught.
People who are trying to develop their confidence in speaking English can get so much use out of these phrases. They are the most suitable for friendly conversations or just striking up a dialogue anywhere.
Of course, academic and professional English is the main focus of the course, but casual phrases have proven to be quite useful in developing confidence in speaking a foreign language. They roll off the tongue more easily and generally feel friendlier to use.
3. A spoken English course also presents the occasions wherein the language will come in handy.
Learning what different life situations the language can be used for allows students to create their own practice opportunities. And when they get a lot of opportunities to speak the language, they can become better at it.
Sometimes, the courses themselves place students in situations wherein they can use the language.
4. The students’ ability to learn is more important than the actual lessons.
Unlike regular classroom teachers who need to stick to the lesson plan and require definite correct answers, the instructors in spoken English courses focus more on the learning capability of their students. They encourage thinking beyond the obvious answers which makes knowledge of English even more substantial.
Learning sessions are all about effective communication instead of emphasizing the right and wrong answers to memorize.
5. Fun is an element in learning.
Creative activities that support the lessons are worked into the course. This helps students loosen up and become more comfortable in using the English language. And quite often, this is all it takes to get them to speak more.
When learning is done in a fun way, the stress of remembering grammatical rules is diminished. Instead, students just learn to communicate or get their thoughts across and understand the responses to them.
In some training institutes, they offer field trips to places where everybody is encouraged to speak in English. Alternatively, they hold English campaigns and use popular songs for vocabulary development.
The Secret to Success is to “Just Speak It”
Language teachers in training institutes in Abu Dhabi say that the real secret to success in speaking English well is to actually go ahead and speak it. As mentioned earlier, speaking skills are honed by practice. So, get all the expert help you need, but at the end of the day, what makes the most difference is regular application of the lessons.
Speak English as often as possible and, along the way, correct some errors and apply new knowledge. Do this and in no time, you will be speaking English not only comfortably but fluently as well.
AUTHOR BIO
Jerrin Samuel is the Executive Director at Regional Educational Institute (REI) in Abu Dhabi. Since 1995, REI has been at the forefront of education by delivering quality corporate training courses in the UAE, helping many businesses and organizations achieve greater productivity and higher customer satisfaction levels.
