How to Lecture in English
With student mobility at its highest, academics invariably find themselves lecturing in English. This prospect is undoubtedly daunting for anyone whose first language isn’t English. Not only do they need to deliver learning resources, but they must also do so in proficient English. Outstanding language skills must combine with the expected field expertise, and the delivery must demonstrate both for optimum student learning outcomes. Much time must go toward mastering how to lecture in English. Teachers in higher education can excel here too, provided they prepare well and sharpen their English skills.
This post delivers advice and tips for higher education teachers, delving into aspects such as preparation, delivery, resources, and confidence building.
With many education experts raving about the merits of student-centred learning, university teachers may be tempted to seek the easy way out rather than lecture in English. They could prepare resources and prompt students instead, escaping the need to lecture in a foreign language. But a sizeable body of research suggests that lectures are anything but obsolete.
A 2017 study with the title Drivers of Student Performance: Middle East and North Africa Insights, in Arabic and French produced some fascinating insights. More than half a million students responded to questions regarding learning experiences and outcomes. The responses led researchers to conclude that “the students with the best outcomes receive a blend of inquiry-based and teacher-directed instruction.” Ideally, the proportion of teacher-led instruction should be slightly bigger.
Such research bucks the trend toward student-centred learning. Lecturing has been and should remain front and centre in higher education, lecturing in English not far behind.
Before non-native speakers ready themselves to instruct on their subject in English, they must take several steps to achieve quality and positive student engagement and learning results.
How Proficient Is Your English?
In all probability, your English skills are excellent. Nonetheless, an honest level assessment helps you to identify skill gaps. You can take a free online placement test but ideally, book a lesson with a tutor and outline your learning needs. Another option is to deliver a mock lecture to a native speaker and get constructive feedback.
The aim is to make sure you do not make basic grammar mistakes or lack vocabulary. Students will find it difficult to benefit from your lectures if your English isn’t on point.
Have your audience, be that a tutor or colleague, be ruthless and frank when picking out errors. Request a list of pronunciation problems, grammar mistakes, and delivery flaws.
Such an honest assessment presents you with a task list you can tackle immediately. Regardless of your level, working with a tutor will allow you to scale and perfect your English the quickest.
Can You Explain Your Subject in English?
Beyond reaching a C1 or C2, you need to gather all your resources and reproduce them in English. Practice introducing your work to others in English. Doing so points to vocabulary gaps you need to bridge.
You may have colleagues in English-speaking countries willing to share materials with you. Alternatively, you can translate your own or find English information about your topic online. As you grow your pool of teaching resources in English, you become more and more knowledgeable and comfortable. The greater your exposure to your subject matter in English, the easier and faster it will be to lecture in it.
Plan, Prepare and Deliver a Lecture in English
As an experienced and competent professor, you will have a lecturing system and accompanying resources in place. You can use the same approach and tools when instructing students through the medium of English. Before you do, take a few minutes to consider the following aspects:
Latest Discussion on Your Subject Globally and in the English-speaking World: During the planning stage, check out the latest discourse in your subject matter community and seek out emerging trends and news. Debates and development stages vary from country to country. As you will be presenting your knowledge to students from far and wide, being aware of their starting point is crucial.
Review to Draw Students Together: It’s best to include a review during your first lecture in English to make sure all students are ready and able to benefit from your content. Q&As, quizzes or tests help to engage students, pique curiosity, and repeat topic fundamentals.
Do Regular Comprehension Checks: As you are a non-native speaker likely lecturing other English learners you must regularly ensure they follow you. Introduce simple thumbs-up or thumbs-down hand signals at the start of the lecture, prompting students every few minutes.
Deliver Less: Research points out that college students often find the volume of new information overwhelming, so much so that they experience cognitive overload. You can therefore reduce the amount of knowledge you impart, giving your students a chance to keep up. At the same time, it will allow you to present your expertise in English slowly, succinctly, and clearly.
Go Slow and Incorporate Breaks: The human brain needs time to process and absorb information. As a result, delivering information at a snail’s pace is the way to go. And remember, students gain from regular interruptions like a 5-minute break or a short quiz.
Engage the Senses: Avoid lecturing without introducing graphics, illustrations, or videos. Not only do media resources engage, they also gift you with a few minutes to take a breath. When using slides, don’t overload them with text, colours, or images, and keep videos short and topic-relevant. Anectodes or real-life examples to illustrate a point work, as do materials that are relatable to student lives.
Communicate Your Passion: Students learn best when lecturers instruct with passion and authenticity. The aloof academic vibe is a red flag among students. Instead, communicate your passion, spark conversation, and ignite interest and engagement. And lastly, show your students that you care about their learning rather than sharing expertise for its own sake.
Lecturing in English with Confidence
Delivering a lecture in English requires confidence and practice. Lecturers who speak English often will likely easily transition whereas someone lacking speaking opportunities may struggle a little.
The above tips can help reduce your stress levels. At the same time, you can work on your speaking confidence by practising in front of an audience and following the advice you receive. Here is a list of confidence hacks:
Plan and prepare well
Speak slowly and clearly
Deliver a manageable amount of information
Take breaks to improve the flow of the lecture
Bring students with you through regular check-ins
Be attentive to student reactions and needs
Lecturing in English may be a new challenge for you likely to reignite your passion for your subject and for the English language!