ESL Terms & Teaching Methodologies

Your Essential Reference for Language Teaching

Essential Acronyms

ESL — English as a Second Language (taught in English-speaking countries)

EFL — English as a Foreign Language (taught in non-English-speaking countries)

TESOL — Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages

TEFL — Teaching English as a Foreign Language

L1 — First Language (learner's native tongue)

L2 — Second Language (target language being learned)

Certification Terms

CELTA — Certificate in English Language Teaching to Adults (120 hours, Cambridge)

DELTA — Diploma in English Language Teaching to Adults (Advanced qualification)

Trinity CertTESOL — Trinity Certificate in TESOL (130+ hours)

CEFR Levels

A1 — Beginner

A2 — Elementary

B1 — Intermediate

B2 — Upper-Intermediate

C1 — Advanced

C2 — Proficient/Native-like

Teaching Methodologies

Grammar-Translation Method (1800s)

Classes conducted in L1 with explicit grammar rules, heavy focus on translation, and reading/writing emphasis.

Direct Method (1900s)

Target language only with no L1. Speaking and listening prioritized. Students discover grammar through examples.

Audio-Lingual Method (1940s-1970s)

Based on behaviorism with extensive drilling and repetition. Error prevention focus with oral skills before written.

Communicative Language Teaching (CLT)

The dominant modern approach emphasizing real communication over grammar drills.

Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT)

Students learn by completing meaningful real-world tasks rather than isolated exercises.

Total Physical Response (TPR)

Ideal for young learners. Teacher gives commands, students respond physically. Low-anxiety environment.

Classroom Terms

Warmer — Short activity to engage students at lesson start

Lead-in — Activity introducing the topic

Drilling — Repetition practice for pronunciation

Eliciting — Getting information from students through questions

Modeling — Demonstrating the task before students attempt it

CCQ — Concept Checking Question (verify understanding)

ICQ — Instruction Checking Question (verify task clarity)

TTT — Teacher Talking Time

STT — Student Talking Time

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