Over the past 15 years I have observed parents’ high expectations in their non-native English-speaking children to attain the highest marks in English. Some parents are not able to differentiate English from ESL.
What is English as a subject?
The Webster’s II New College Dictionary gives the following definition for English in the classroom:
“A course or class in the study of English literature, language, or composition.”
English, taught as a subject in an English-speaking country or at an international school falls into the category of the Arts. A written composition is a form of art like painting, sculpting, music, ballet, etc.
Non-native parents tend to confuse English with the English taught as a Foreign Language (EFL)in their home country. Therefore, they expect their children to get the highest marks at an international school, because they base language-learning on intensive studying and memorizing only. But a subject of the Arts needs to be developed, not memorized.
For an efficient eye-opener I sometimes prompt the following thoughts:
Q: So you expect your child to get an A (or equivalent) in English?
A: Yes, of course, I do.
Q: Is your child an A student in his native language?
A: No, he/she isn’t.
Q: Why do you think that is?
A: Reading and understanding literature is difficult.
Well, the same goes for reading and understanding literature in English.
What is ESL as a subject?
ESL, on the other hand, is learning English as a second language, and is similar to learning English as a foreign language (EFL).
ESL is a systematic approach to language learning. Vocabulary can be memorized, grammar knowledge can be applied, reading level-appropriate material for comprehension can be supplied and the chance for speaking and listening practice is omnipresent in an international school. English as a second language implies the common usage throughout the school subjects and school life.
What is EFL as a subject?
EFL, on the other hand, is taught only in non-English speaking schools/outside of English-speaking countries. The study of EFL usually requires five lessons a week and, in general, English is not used outside the English classroom. It is taught strictly as a foreign language.
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