How To Use The Bilingual Method of Teaching English

The Bilingual method was developed in the 1960s by C.J. Dodson.

The bilingual method is a way of teaching a foreign language (here, it is English) where teachers and students use their native language to explain concepts. 

The beauty of the Bilingual Method of teaching English is a simple yet powerful technique to teach a foreign language. This is a good way to make learning faster and far less stressful for students who are absolutely new to the language.

For aspiring teachers of TESOL and TEFL, the bilingual method of teaching English is a game-changer. It bridges language gaps and builds confidence so that communication moves forward naturally. Today’s blog is all about giving our aspiring teacher trainees and our graduates tips about teaching language classes.

What Is the Bilingual Method of Teaching English?

The bilingual method of teaching uses the learners' native language to clarify the meanings of lessons that are being taught. This approach helps the learners connect new words with meanings they are familiar with, making the new language much more comprehensible.

For example, while teaching the word apple, you can briefly mention its local equivalent before continuing in English. This builds comfort and confidence in early learners.

The bilingual method of teaching English reduces confusion and encourages students to use English naturally from the very start.

Why the Bilingual Method Works

The bilingual method of teaching works, and as teachers, you can use this to connect with students. 

Here’s why it’s effective:

• Builds understanding before memorisation.
• Lowers student anxiety.
• Supports better recall of new words.
• Makes lessons more interactive and relatable.

This method helps teachers make lessons inclusive and engaging.

Core Principles of the Bilingual Method

The success of the bilingual method of teaching English depends on how you can balance when and how to use the native language.

Following these principles with bilingual support, you can enhance language training.

Bilingual Strategies for Teaching

To make the bilingual method of teaching English successful, teachers need to use a few simple classroom techniques.

These keep lessons interactive and easy to follow. Visual cues, gestures, and tone add extra clarity. 

The Bilingual Method in TESOL and TEFL

TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages) and TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) prepare teachers for multicultural and multilingual classrooms. In such diverse classroom environments, the bilingual method of teaching English often becomes essential and an approach that delivers results.

Teachers trained through TESOL or TEFL courses learn how to apply bilingual strategies for teaching to help students, especially those who are absolutely new to the language, to overcome their initial barriers. 

Pros and Cons of the Bilingual Method

The bilingual method of teaching English is most effective when used in balance, supporting, not substituting, English communication.

How to Use the Bilingual Method Effectively

Here are a few practical tips on how teachers can adopt the bilingual method of teaching English effectively:

• Use the native language only to explain new or complex concepts. Not for communicating in a foreign language classroom.
• Always encourage English responses from students. 
• Slowly reduce translation as students grow more confident.
• Use gestures, visuals, and real-life examples to reinforce a topic.
• Praise English attempts — even partial sentences.

By following these strategies for teaching, teachers can ensure that learners both understand and express as they slowly reach fluency

Conclusion

The bilingual method of teaching English is not just about speaking two languages; it is about connecting two worlds. It helps teachers to make English learning easier and enjoyable for students. In TESOL and TEFL classrooms, it can actually turn cultural diversity into a powerful learning advantage.

FAQs

Q1. What is the bilingual method of teaching English?

The bilingual method of teaching English is a way to teach English using both English and the learner’s native language for better understanding and clarity.

Q2. Who can use the bilingual method of teaching English?

Any teacher who knows both English and their students’ native language can effectively use the bilingual method of teaching.

Q3. What are bilingual strategies for teaching?

The bilingual strategies for teaching are classroom techniques like bilingual storytelling, flashcards, or guided translation, that will help make English lessons more comprehensible.

Q4. Is the bilingual method suitable for beginners?

Yes, the bilingual strategies for teaching are very suitable for beginners and novices. It makes learning less stressful and more relatable.