Many of our ESOL learners arrive with a wealth of life experience, but may lack familiarity with formal study techniques prevalent in the UK education system. This isn't a reflection of their intelligence or capability, but rather a difference in educational culture and prior opportunities. As Cummins (2000) highlighted in his work on Language, Power and Pedagogy, academic language proficiency develops over time and requires explicit instruction and scaffolding. Therefore, directly teaching study skills isn't a luxury; it's a necessity for equitable access to learning.

So, how can we practically help our students build their study toolkit? Here are some actionable strategies you can implement in your ESOL classroom:

1. Demystifying Time Management:

Many learners juggle work, family responsibilities, and language classes. The concept of dedicated study time might be new.

• Practical Tip: Start with small, manageable chunks of time. Introduce the Pomodoro Technique (25 minutes of focused study followed by a short break). Help students create a simple weekly schedule, visually representing their commitments and identifying potential study slots. Encourage them to treat these slots like appointments.
• Classroom Activity: Brainstorm common time-wasters and discuss strategies to minimise distractions. Model how to prioritise tasks using a simple "urgent/important" matrix.

2. Effective Note-Taking Strategies:

Linear note-taking can be challenging for learners processing information in a new language.

• Practical Tip: Introduce visual note-taking methods like mind maps or Cornell Notes. Encourage the use of keywords, symbols, and abbreviations. Provide partially completed note templates that learners can adapt.
• Classroom Activity: Present a short audio or video clip and guide students in practising different note-taking techniques. Compare and discuss the effectiveness of each method.

3. Boosting Vocabulary Retention:

Vocabulary acquisition is central to language learning, and effective study strategies can significantly aid this process.

• Practical Tip: Teach learners how to create and use flashcards effectively – including writing the word in context and adding a visual cue or translation (if appropriate and helpful). Introduce spaced repetition software or apps as a tool for long-term retention.
• Classroom Activity: Model different vocabulary learning strategies, such as using word families, identifying prefixes and suffixes, and creating personal vocabulary notebooks with example sentences.

4. Understanding Homework and Independent Learning:

The purpose and expectations of homework might differ from learners' previous experiences.

• Practical Tip: Clearly explain the purpose of each homework task and provide explicit instructions. Break down larger assignments into smaller, more manageable steps. Encourage learners to ask questions and seek clarification.
• Classroom Activity: Dedicate a short time to discussing homework strategies and addressing any anxieties. Model how to approach different types of tasks, such as reading assignments or writing short paragraphs.

5. Setting Realistic Goals:

Overwhelming learners with ambitious goals can lead to demotivation.

• Practical Tip: Guide students in setting SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound) goals for their language learning and study habits. Encourage them to focus on small, incremental progress.
• Classroom Activity: Facilitate a goal-setting session where learners identify one or two specific study skills they want to develop in the coming week. Encourage reflection on their progress.

By explicitly teaching these fundamental study skills, we empower our ESOL learners to become more autonomous, confident, and successful in their learning journey and integration into UK society. Remember to be patient, provide ongoing support, and celebrate their progress every step of the way.