Name of Trainer/Assessor: Alexandra Power

Question 7: Task
What do these questions (from Broughton: Know Your English) try to test?

Which of these do we not say? a) a pile of leaves

b) a pile of houses
c) a pile of rubbish
d) a pile of newspapers
e) a pile of old clothes

The words extraction, filling and drilling all have something to do with

a) roads b) medicine c) oil wells d) dentists e) woodwork
Which two words sound the same?
a) soar, sour b) sure, sour c) saw, sear d) soar, sore e) saw, sear


Question 8 Essay
Minimum word length: 550

Examine the role of an EFL/ESL teacher in a specific teaching situation (obviously from your own experience if possible). You can cover the role not only in the classroom, but in the institution or even further, in the community or society as a whole.

Examples: British teacher in a secondary school in Germany
Nigerian teacher of 7 year olds using English as a second language.
Teacher of primary pupils in Birmingham whose mother tongue is not English. Japanese teacher teaching English at upper secondary level in a Japanese city.
Teacher on a holiday course, mixed nationality students, on the south coast of England.

The role of an EFL/ESL teacher in any teaching situation is crucial for the success of language learning for students. As an AI language model, I don't have the experience of teaching myself, but I can provide insights in the role of an EFL/ESL teacher based on educational research and practice.

Let's take the example of a British teacher in a secondary school in Germany. The most important role of the teacher would be to create a safe and inclusive learning environment that respects cultural differences and encourages students to practice their language skills without fear of making mistakes. The teacher can achieve this goal by using varied teaching methods, such as group work, pair work, debates, role-playing, and other interactive activities that engage students and cater to different learning styles.
Another key role of the teacher is to assess students' language proficiency and monitor their progress, using formative and summative assessments, such as quizzes, essays, presentations, and speaking tests, to diagnose and address areas of weakness and provide timely feedback. Teachers can also use technology to enhance learning, such as online resources, multimedia materials, and educational apps that allow students to practice their language skills outside the classroom.
Moreover, teachers have a broader role in the institution and the community. They need to collaborate with other teachers and school staff, such as counselors, to provide academic and emotional support for students, especially those who struggle with language barriers and cultural adjustment issues. Teachers can also organize extracurricular activities, such as language clubs, cultural outings, and exchange programs, to enrich students' learning experiences and expose them to diverse perspectives.
In the society as a whole, EFL/ESL teachers play an important role in promoting intercultural communication and global citizenship. They can encourage students to appreciate and respect cultural diversity, challenge stereotypes and biases, and develop empathy and awareness of social issues. Through language learning, students can acquire not only linguistic skills but also intercultural competence, which is essential for success in today's interconnected world.
In conclusion, the role of an EFL/ESL teacher is multi-layered and dynamic, requiring a blend of linguistic, pedagogical, intercultural, and social skills. It involves creating an effective and supportive learning environment, assessing and monitoring students' progress, collaborating with colleagues and stakeholders, and promoting intercultural communication and global citizenship. Through their dedication and expertise, EFL/ESL teachers can empower students to achieve their language learning goals and become active and responsible members of their communities and the world.