Now that we’ve looked at some general advantages and disadvantages of using the students’ native language (L1) in the ESL/EFL classroom, let’s talk about some strategies you can use if you realize that you need more English use and less dependence on L1. Whether you are afraid to use more English because of student limitations, or possibly your own, these are some easy steps to take to start you all moving in the right direction: Learning English for real-life daily communication!

1. First, teach simple, routine instructional phrases in English. By the end of the very first day of classes, students should understand phrases like “Open your textbooks to page ___,” “Are there any questions?” “Please stop talking,” or “try again.” Then there should never be a need to use those phrases in the L1 again. It is also an easy way for YOU to get comfortable hearing your own voice in English, if it still feels strange and awkward to you, in order to build your own confidence.

2. When students are working collaboratively (pairs, groups, etc.), you can give groups individual feedback, suggestions, comments, etc., in English. Speak slowly, clearly, using small sentences and simple vocabulary at first. If they ask you for confirmation, e.g. in the L1 they say “Do you mean ___?” you can still respond to them in English to let them know if they are correct. They can always turn to each other and discuss (in L1) what you said (in English) and negotiate the meaning together. You can continue to give them hints, synonyms, repetition with gestures, etc. When they finally figure it out, you cay nod and confirm in English. Stay positive!

3. Establish certain activity types as “Designated-English” activities. Whether it is as simple as having students request permission to go to the bathroom, or doing certain textbook activities that are commonly repeated in each chapter so students are comfortable with how to do them, promote an “I know you can do this in English” atmosphere as part of the classroom culture. Once you have taught them the basic phrases to use in these situations, wait until they speak to you in English before responding with permission or an answer. If they can’t remember how to say something, you can give them the words and have them repeat the phrase, or allow other students to help them. Perhaps the students’ speech will not be perfect, but that’s okay. You can decide if it’s close enough, if the effort is most important, or if you want to give them alternative corrective feedback on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, etc. until they say it to your satisfaction. (But after the first couple of tries, help them say it the way you want them to, so they don’t get frustrated and embarrassed by continued – and possibly public – errors.)

4. Give written feedback in English. Whether correcting a test, making comments on an essay or journal entry, write it in English. The permanence of the writing will allow time for students to look up words in a dictionary if necessary, or simply ask you to explain it later, then they can take their own notes on the paper about what your comments mean.

Overall, try keeping a list of phrases, activities, and routines you have started using in English in your class. Try to be consistent - once you add an item, don’t slide back! Make sure that each week you challenge them with at least one new addition. If it is a small addition, try to add one new one each day. But the consistency is really going to be the key to reinforcing their behavior.

And as a reminder – even if an activity is a “designated English” or “English immersion” activity, be careful not to punish students who use L1, or otherwise strictly forbid it. (See the previous post about why that’s not a good idea.) Alternatively, try praising/rewarding students who *do* try to stick to using English during those special times. The positive reinforcement can be a better motivator than negativity.

Do you have other suggestions for ways to reduce dependence on L1 in the classroom? Share your ideas with us. We can all benefit from each other’s success!