What works best for non-native speakers to excel in English language was always a question before English language educators. Most schools adopt various instruction methods and techniques to make the students proficient in academic English and communicative skills. While some schools still employ the traditional classroom instruction using chalk and talk setting to get their students better in English, some others go for technology aided language learning solutions like digital language lab software to develop the language competence of students.
Academic session in English with separate instructional support in the language during the class time or in a separate session outside of regular class is the most commonly used technique provided by schools. This technique is most often used for English-learners with some aptitude in the language. On the other hand, English-learners with little proficiency are taught in separate classroom giving special focus on academic content as well as language instruction. However, most of these courses are designed to be short for a single term. Bilingual instruction is another type of instruction where the students get language and subject instruction method using both their native language and English.
Recent studies have suggested that by using technology aided solutions, teachers can help students to learn language and communicative skill in a very successful way. Digital language lab is one of the most favourable teaching aids preferred by language teachers worldwide to provide effective language instruction. Teaching a wide range of academic and meaningful vocabulary intensively with actual pronunciation is one such instructional practice recommended by teachers nowadays. Experienced trainers suggest integrated teaching in spoken and written English using academic contents and real-life situations. Providing chances to develop their speaking and writing skills through extensive practice sessions, group discussions, debate forums, role play method etc are among the several instruction methods suggested by language trainers.
Language labs provide privacy and inspiring environments for the learners to get more self-directed into learning. Above all, language labs provide effective solutions to enhance the language skills through extended-learning time and intensive practice sessions thereby making helping students acquire communicative competence and linguistic proficiency.