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After years of tried language teaching strategies, a well known Teacher-Author named Jeremy Harmer came up with an efficient, simple to follow, 3-Stage approach called the ESA method; Engage, Study, Activate. Its focus is known for being "Student centered", while it constantly entail teaching and learning flexibilities throughout its phases. The method has been proven successful and has become the most popular means to teach a Language. The following summarizes the basics of each phase, so you can see how the method is advantages for both Teachers and the Students. ENGAGE stage In this 1st stage, the Teacher focuses on getting Students to talk as much as possible. A good technique for this is to elicit thought provoking questions that inspires Students to respond. Here, Teachers learn Students language levels while the Students get an idea of what is expected from the Teacher. This Stage is considered a "warming" phase, as it is also a means to build trust and rapport on both ends To elicit Student-talks, Flashcards, pictures, videos, animal pics on the board are great talking starters. The Teacher asks questions "what do you see?" expanding more as it progresses. An introduction promp technique can also be used to inspire Student talk time, where Teachers write on the Board "my name is___, I live___", favorite fun things to do are___". For the Teacher, this is an observational, listening stage where no correcting, teaching takes place; it is kept for the next Stage, the Study phase. STUDY stage Based on what the Teacher learned in the Engage Stage, a lesson plan is created and adapted that specifies the goals for the Students. This phase is fully grammar and accuracy focused and includes pronunciation, verb tenses, language structures, meaning and spellings. Teacher applies controlled practices to elicit Students to think through the questions, then respond chorally and/or individually. Pictures of various animal types are taped to the Board is also a good example, where Students are asked "which one can fly", "run" or "swim?". The answers allow Teachers to correct or explain any grammar related errors. Teachers can elaborate, extend plenty of additional questions. Once Students show their understanding of the practice, the Teacher hands out a worksheet, with the 1st question completed together to ensure what is expected. Gap-fill and matching exercises are few examples of good grammar practices. The most productive way to check Student comprehension, their answers is to separated them in groups of 2 or 3, where self-correction is inspired first, to think things through, with the Teacher helping whenever necessary. Always keep in mind to maintain an "easy to more difficult" progression. ACTIVATE stage In this Phase, Students are at a higher communication level and are encouraged to use and act out everything they learned. A combination of all 3 ESA methods are incorporated, while Teachers fine-tune corrections to ensure fluency. Here, Role-play techniques are used where Students design their own dialogue then is acted out between 2 Students. The Teacher must give Students the time to prepare for this. Good role play examples are Debates and Interviews, one plays the Employer, the other the interviewee; Doctor/Patient or Shopper/Salesperson are few other ideas. To keep things stimulating, the Teacher expands on questions to the scenario at any time. Teacher feedback is written and/or oral, while always remaining positive and encouraging Students to test out their own fluency level. Due to the high communication level, this phase is lots of fun and allows the Teacher to witness Students ultimate sense of accomplishment. The ESA method for language learning is simple to apply, while being inspirational, motivational the the same time. As long as the Teacher manages time well, is material-equiped and maintains the focus of each stage goals, it will be a smooth experience each time. Whenever problems do arise, this method allows for full flexibilty and creativity to teach a language course.
