Why Small ESL Classes Improve Language Learning

Taking an English-as-a-second-language (ESL) class can be a rewarding and even life-changing experience, but the size of the class can affect the quality of your learning experience. Instead of taking a course where a teacher must address the needs of many students, you should strongly consider signing up for a more modestly sized one. As a student, you can enjoy a wider range of benefits. Read on to learn the many reasons small ESL classes improve language learning.

More Opportunities for Participation

One major advantage of small ESL classes is that students will have more opportunities to participate. If your class is large, you may feel like you have less of a chance to speak up when there are so many additional students present. It’s also harder to get the instructor’s attention, which can cause you to feel overlooked.

A smaller class size allows students to share their opinions more freely in discussions and answer questions during lessons. This active participation provides learners with much-needed practice in articulating ideas in English while receiving real-time feedback from their teacher or peers.

Better Student Assessments

Another way that small ESL classes improve language learning is that they enhance the teacher’s ability to thoroughly assess each student’s progress. When instructors teach in larger classrooms, they may struggle to monitor every student’s individual growth.

Fortunately, a smaller class makes it easier for instructors to track each student’s specific challenges and strengths. This level of attention allows teachers to provide personalized guidance that can address each learner’s unique needs, making the lessons more effective.

For example, not all students in a class progress at the same pace. Some may grasp difficult grammar concepts more quickly, while others may need additional examples and practice to understand them fully. Small classes make it more feasible for teachers to recognize when a student is struggling and provide them with the support they need to succeed. This may result in the teacher spending extra time reviewing verb tenses, offering pronunciation tips, or suggesting supplementary study materials.

A More Comfortable Environment

Small ESL classes also create a more comfortable and inviting environment for students. Many learners, particularly beginners, can feel insecure when attempting to speak a new language. They may be afraid to make errors or experience mockery from other students. This insecurity can discourage students from fully engaging in the learning process.

Smaller class sizes can help students better cope with this anxiety. Since fewer students are present, the classroom environment should make everyone feel more comfortable and supported by other students. Once students shake their anxiety, they can better hone their speaking skills. Even shy students can participate more and feel less hesitant.

More Time for Questions

Small ESL classes also give teachers more time to address learners’ questions. Every student brings unique curiosities and uncertainties to the classroom, and having the opportunity to ask questions in real time is crucial for effective learning.

This smaller setup directly contrasts large classes. Teachers in these classes may spend more time maintaining order, completing administrative tasks, and accommodating the sheer number of participants in the class. Their bigger class size can limit the amount of time that instructors can dedicate to addressing students’ questions.

When teachers encourage questions and answer them thoughtfully, as is possible in smaller classes, they foster a sense of inclusivity and respect among learners. Equally important, the act of answering questions strengthens the student’s understanding and helps their peers, who may also have similar questions or benefit from the added clarification.

Increased One-on-One Time

When instructors teach small ESL classes, they also have more time to dedicate to each individual student, which can enhance the quality of support they receive. Instructors can provide specific feedback and coaching that promotes growth in the student’s English-speaking skills. For instance, a student struggling with pronunciation can receive personalized tips during a lesson.

Teachers also have more opportunities to establish personal connections and rapport with their students in smaller classes. This relationship building creates a higher level of trust and more open communication. Students may feel like their instructor truly values and respects them, causing them to be more motivated during each classroom session.

A Better Environment for Collaboration

A modestly sized ESL class also provides students and teachers with a better environment for collaborative activities, which can keep learners motivated and reinforce the material. These activities may include conversational games, group discussions, role-playing scenarios, or creative projects such as writing and performing a short play.

These activities make learning English more enjoyable and deepen students’ understanding of the material by encouraging them to apply it in practical ways. However, performing these activities in a larger class would be far more challenging. With so many students, it becomes difficult for teachers to coordinate, monitor, and assess each individual’s participation.

But in smaller classes, teachers have much more flexibility. They can plan and execute dynamic lessons that cater to the group’s interests and needs. In addition, smaller class sizes allow for a collaborative environment between students, as they can work together and learn from one another when they partner in small groups.

Students should also find it easier to communicate with each other and work together in a modestly sized class since they won’t feel overwhelmed or drowned out by the noise of a larger group. Through this process, students may also develop friendships with their peers. These relationships allow students to support one another and provide encouragement or constructive feedback that will help them as they learn English.

The above examples show how small ESL classes can provide aid to students on their language-learning journeys. By keeping student numbers low, educators can provide learners with a well-rounded and effective learning environment.

When looking for providers of English-as-a-second-language programs, consider the Bilingual Education Institute. No matter whether you’re focused on furthering your education or career goals, our instructors will provide you with the focused attention you need in our small-group courses as we help you build upon your English language skills.