The problem with teaching English as a foreign language is not the size of the class but the language itself.

The English - especially American English - has few rules, a lot of exceptions, and way too many exceptions to the exceptions. This is the problem. And if that wasn't enough there are a number of words that are too similar that it makes it very difficult to learn much less understand the English language. Typically Americans think that many foreign languages are difficult to learn; but it is the English language as a foreign language that is among the most difficult languages to learn.

Having a larger class may actually help the learning process, especially if the class involves conversation. Unlike many languages English doesn't have standard rules that aid in learning; therefore, the learning environment will need to lean more toward vocabulary and conversation, similar to the methods in teaching children to talk and learn. There is a program that was developed in Dartmouth that is a total immersion class. Only the language being taught is allowed to be spoken. In this particular environment a larger class is a good thing.

The problem isn't necessarily in the size of the class, but in the language being taught. English is extremely difficult to learn even for English speaking people.

Learn more about this author, Sherrill Fulghum.
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