Games are for sure a lot fun and this is what impels plenty of EFL tutors to introduce this sort of activities to boost learning in class. Generally, both EFL tutors and learners have a tendency to depreciate their pedagogical value. Yet, many language professionals have recently claimed that games are more than mere time-filling activities. Games can turn around classes and make the learning process easier. Added to fun, they have an important educational value. In fact, they are great ways to sharpen skills in speaking, listening and reading.
The Needs of ESL Classes
ESL classes are often intended for adult learners. They usually involve a variety of enjoyable activities that target the learners’ skills in reading, writing, listening and speaking. For sure, there are other types of classes, which might focus on particular subjects of interest, vocabulary for instance. Students may need particular words and expressions used in business and finance, or necessary for a visit to an English-speaking restaurant. Actually, there are many engaging activities that range from Bingo activities to Role-play tasks, and from pair and group work to collaborative exercises, all aim at involving students into the learning process.
One particular activity that many ESL teachers have introduced into their classes is the game of ESL bingo. This is played almost exactly like a normal game of bingo, with the teacher taking the part of bingo caller, and the students each being given a bingo card or worksheet, but with one key modification: the bingo cards are printed with words relating to a chosen topic, rather than numbers. It is a good way to learn new words and skills; it’s a lot of fun. If students strive to use English rather than their L1, this would certainly help them develop plenty of skills, not only vocabulary.
Bingo is actually ideal for teaching in the sense that it is affordable. It does not require expensive materials. It is easy to customize Bingo activities by using different words on the bingo cards, or by the teacher giving definitions of words, rather than calling out the words directly.
Reference:
S. Tanna. (2009). ESL Bingo Activities. “Reference and Education,” http://www.eslbingo.com/. February, 2021.