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Many instructors teaching English in public schools consider learning TEFL techniques for a variety of reasons. For some it is a desire to enhance their career. For others, it is a way to qualify for taking a teaching position in a foreign country. However, others qualify for TEFL in order to learn to teach foreign language studentseffectively. Notwithstanding, even these altruistic teachers may not realize exactly how much the TEFL program means to each foreign student. Foreign students are not usually the ones deciding to leave their homes and come to an English-speaking nation. Usually they are brought by their parents. Some of these students understand the opportunities they may have to make the move. Others may resent it deeply. In any case, a student comes to a new school with a disadvantage. First, remember all the difficulties of school in the first place. Remember the cliques, the bullies, the unreasonable teachers, and everything else. Now add to that the fact that all this drama is now being conducted in an unintelligible language. A foreign student comes to his English class, but soon realizes the teacher is teaching English to students that have spent their entire lives with the language. They are not equipped to teach foreign students who, bright as they may be, are at less than a kindergarten level for speaking English. This is not all. The same barrier exists in every other class. To understand their predicament, try to imagine learning math in Chinese, history in Spanish, or choir in Greek. If that is not enough, the language barrier also exists socially. They are outsiders because they cannot speak the common language. Now imagine how these students must feel toward a teacher who is teaching English with TEFL techniques. First, they see someone in authority who is trying to reach out to them. TEFL teachers are often surprised at the incredible gratitude they experience from students who have received this simple kindness and show of respect. Second, they find that the techniques are effective. Their frustration at trying to master this complex language begins to be assuaged. They start to make real and significant progress. Suddenly, they are not only learning English but are beginning to learn from all their other classes as well. In addition, they are able to assimilate into school society, and into society as a whole. It is not too dramatic to say that as someone teaching English to foreign language students, you become a hero to these students, someone who cares, and someone who makes a difference. The satisfaction for providing this service is indescribable. About Author Robert Law is offering intensive Teaching English and Teaching English Abroad is an accrediting body of TEFL/TESOL courses and course.
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