A variety of teaching methods are implemented by Palestinian and international teachers at the Excellence Center in order to improve student’s English skills. These methods include dialogue, pair work, group-work, presentations, listening exercises (from videos or music), storytelling, and drawing.
It’s important that teachers use a selection of various methods to appeal to students’ different learning styles and proficiency levels. By engaging students through this variety, EC promotes and strengthens numerous communications skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
The local teachers also play an important role in the students’ learning. Because they have experience in English learning as native Arabic speakers, they can provide assistance with common problems regarding tenses and vocabulary. They also serve as inspiration and motivation to these students who are able to witness nonnative speakers expressing themselves confidently in English.
Local teacher Ibrahim says that his aim or mission “is to change the false stereotypes about learning English – [proving] that it isn’t difficult. In my classes, I use icebreakers, games, and interactive presentations to make the students more motivated. I also apply the ‘learning by doing’ method. For example, if students take a trip to the Ibrahimi Mosque, they will draw a picture of the route, explain it, and talk about important places in Hebron.”
The role of the international volunteer is to create an educational atmosphere to facilitate the students learning. The teachers instruct on specific English speaking and grammar skills while encouraging students and giving them opportunities to practice their speaking. One of the most effective methods is groupwork where students join together to complete tasks and assignments.
It’s an effective approach because students are able to correct each other’s English and learn from each other’s encouragement. Other methods include presentation, which happens formally via Powerpoint, or informally when students conduct pairwork activities and present them to the class. Teachers also use games that require the students to speak freely and creatively in an effort to exercise their speaking and conversational skills.
The international teachers influence the language learning process by connecting with the students in a variety of ways – for example through humor or popular culture – to encourage and motivate them to continue practicing and learning. Volunteer teacher Iram from Australia describes her methods: “ I apply explicit instruction, discussion, cooperative learning and groupwork. We try to make it more engaging through interactive presentations.”
Another volunteer Melanie from Canada says, “I use a lot of cooperative learning techniques that use impulses from students to decide which way is best. Also, lots of interaction where they get to be creative. Lots of creativity and story writing where they have to think outside of the box; studying language isn’t the [sole] focus but rather using the language [effectively].”
