Which is a recommended strategy for teaching ESL students?

Partnering ESL students with English-speaking peers is an effective strategy because it creates opportunities for language immersion and peer support. This strategy facilitates natural language practice and social interaction, allowing ESL learners to develop their language skills in a supportive environment. By engaging in conversations and collaborative tasks with fluent speakers, these students can improve their vocabulary, pronunciation, and comprehension.

This approach also helps build confidence as they receive immediate feedback and encouragement from their peers, making the learning experience less intimidating. Additionally, such partnerships can enhance cultural exchange and understanding within the classroom, fostering a more inclusive learning environment.

In contrast, encouraging ESL students to remain silent can hinder their language development, as practice and interaction are key to language acquisition. Avoiding scaffolding learning tasks can leave students feeling overwhelmed and unsupported, especially when facing challenges in a new language. Focusing only on written instructions neglects the importance of oral communication and interactive learning, which are vital in helping ESL learners engage with the language and content fully.