Students take English as a Second Language (ESL) classes for multiple reasons. Some want to improve their English skills for career advancement. Others may want to learn English for social reasons. Students have different learning styles and learn at different speeds. Instructors may use many different tools in the classroom in order to reach all the students more effectively and to add variety to the class.

Videos
An instructor can use an assortment of videos in an ESL classroom, including language instruction videos, feature films, commercials and news clips. Language instruction videos work well when teaching specific vocabulary, and they often come with some form of textbook or workbook to follow along with the videos. Other forms of videos, such as feature films or news clips, introduce the students to a variety of language in spoken forms such as they would hear in real-life settings. These forms of videos help students become familiar with colloquialisms and different dialects that they may encounter.

Newspapers and Magazines
Having newspapers and magazines available in the ESL classroom provides opportunities for short activities while introducing students to a variety of words. Newspapers and magazines make useful tools because they challenge the students to apply their new language to current events. An instructor may ask students to choose one article to read and then explain it to the class the best they can in English. A new student may just describe the photo that accompanies the article. The students may also jot down unfamiliar words for discussion after the activity.

Dictionaries
In an ESL class, monolingual dictionaries challenge the students to begin thinking in English rather than constantly translating into their own language. During the class, the students may make notes of unfamiliar words they heard. The instructor can then take a few minutes at the end of each class to write the words on the board. As long as they have the proper spelling, the students can then look up the words and their definitions in their dictionaries. The instructor can then have the students write sentences using those words for homework. Ideally, each student should have their own dictionary that they can also use at home. Dictionaries help foster independence in ESL students, which builds language confidence.

Technology
Instructors may incorporate computers into their class time to reach different types of learners. Interactive language learning software teaches students through immersion techniques. This type of software often comes with a speech recognition feature, which helps with pronunciation as it compares the student's speech with that of native speakers. These programs often use a variety of videos, images, audio clips and text, so they cover many methods of learning. When using this sort of software, students can work at their own pace and repeat sections as often as necessary.