How to teach conversational English in an African country

Final Yearbook How-to Blog:

Have you ever wondered how to converse with someone who barely understands the English language? Many people think going to Africa is one of the biggest adventures of a lifetime, partially because of the differences in culture and language. Something many people do not know in America is that many people in the major cities and university towns understand enough English to communicate, even if they do not know the words needed to convey their message. Many African students read and watch American and European novels and movies, which enhance their vocabulary but sometimes leave them confused over word meanings. Africans may approach Americans with the wrong word to greet them, but they only repeat what they hear and treat foreigners how movies teach them to. Below are a few steps to teaching conversational English to African college students.
1. Be patient.
2. Have a partner with a similar agenda.
3. Have them verbally answer probing questions that require more than a yes/no answer.
4. Let them to ask you questions.
5. Speak at a medium-slow consistent pace.
6. Be prepared to define every word you speak, including the word “the.”
7. Use elementary vocabulary.
8. Do not allow their mother-tongue to be spoken in class.
9. Assign them to create a presentation in English on a topic they know.
10. Let them to discuss in English.
11. Have someone in class repeat what you say in English if you question their comprehension.
12. Let them know you will grade their progress so they try to improve.

vi. Many people think they are incoherent and dumb because they do not understand English. Do not assume that, because they are very knowledgeable about world events.
vii. English is not the only language in the world. Treat them with respect and understand their position. They are trying to learn your language. Imagine if they expected you to be on their level if they were teaching you their native language.
viii. Speaking loudly does not help them understand.
ix. Each student is different so help them according to their individual need. Some know more English than others so challenge them according to their level.
x. Translate common phrases they use and teach them in English.
xi. Write instructions and other things you want your students to remember on the board so they can read the words you speak and attempt to sound them out.
xii. This does not take money to do.
xiii. Be creative in the different methods you use and have fun.
ixx. It may get frustrating; remember why you are teaching them and be patient and understanding.
xx. Show a video in English with subtitles.
xxi. Explain things in the simplest way possible, but think of another way to get your message across if they do not understand.

xxii. Be willing to learn from your students: be humble.
xxiii. http://www.englishclub.com/ gives ESL teachers free resources

Serving the Homeless

This past Thursday I went out with the Homeless group to the park on Mission Inn Blvd. to hand out to-go meals. I wanted to go all semester but never had the time available. I love working with homeless, but do not have many opportunities available because of my busy schedule. My group started talking to a man, but he was very stand-offish. He answered our questions, but stood with his arms crossed and looked away. The second I said I was from Bakersfield his eyes lit up and we started talking. We started talking about Bakersfield and the places in town we both were familiar with. He then said he had family in Palmdale and I did too. He opened up and told us about his daughter and how he missed seeing her that day. He came down to Riverside to be closer to his daughter, but is still looking for a place to work.
He was having a bad day because he missed his daughter. The smile on his face at the end of our visit made the whole evening worth going. Even though he wasn’t having a good day, I could tell that us talking cheered him up. I am so grateful that God brought us there to bring a smile to that man’s face.

Missing My Home in Africa

Today was one year exactly since I left Kenya; I have been thinking it all day. I miss my friends so much. I always think about the market I went to often and the people I met. I always wonder how they are doing now. I pray for them but wish I could see them one more time and formally say goodbye. I never said good bye to Jon, the guy I saw every week. I hope he is doing well and continues reading his Bible and applying what we went over.
I fell in love with the Gandy family but I have no pictures with them. Jim and Linda brought me into their family as one of their own. I cried so hard when I had to leave them. I could not imagine leaving them behind. I just wanted to sit there and hug Linda all day. Jim taught me so much without him realizing it. My camera wasn't working the last time I saw them so I have no pictures of the three of us, or with their family.
God truely blessed me over and abundantly. I always wonder if the people I worked with remember me and if my influence is there.
I spent my last full day in Kenya with my African mom, Linda. I spent the night with Becky, my African sister. Linda talked me through re-entry into the USA and let me cry on her shoulder. She told me funny stories about her family and the people she stayed in contact with who volunteered with her in Nairobi. She took me to my favorite resturant in Nairobi, the Java House; we shared desserts: rich chocolate cake and cheesecake. We picked the girls up from school and watched their basketball team play. One of our friends was on the team so we watched him play; my African brother coached the team. We already said our goodbyes and were plesantly surprised to see one another again. My roomate/sister, Jeff (brother) and I exchanged gifts over our Christmas tree that night. It was great. Becky was snappy like usual but the cat was unusually kind.
I lived with Becky on the weekends. It was so hard to walk out of her house for the last time. It was so hard to hand over the keys of my cottage, clean out my desk, and hug my deep friends and family goodbye.