ESL students are usually residents of a country where English is the predominate language, whereas EFL students live in a non English speaking country, but wish to learn English for business or pleasure. That distinction aside, there are many aspects these two groups will share, and games can be stimulating in either type of classroom. Just note that there are different types of games which can be tailored to fit the needs of your particular class. However there can also be big differences between an ESL and an EFL class, and the teacher needs to be aware of these to avoid sensitive issues and potential pitfalls.

Games for ESL Learners

ESL students are often (though not invariably) on the low end of the economic scale. They may have to ride a bus to class when exhausted after a long day of work, and have many worries pertaining to immigration, employment and family issues weighing on their minds. You can make the ESL classroom a fun and relaxed place where they can set all this aside and enjoy learning in a fun setting.

Be prepared to handle certain topics with sensitivity; many ESL learners have come from traumatic situations directly into the classroom. Survivors of war zones and those fleeing religious persecution may not have been able to keep their families intact, and painful memories will haunt those who have lost loved ones. Even students from more benign situations may have endured hardship and struggled over obstacles just to reach a new country.

Board games are a fun easy way to introduce such basics as vocabulary and grammar to a new class. These can lay the groundwork for a solid grasp of the English language they will need to succeed in whatever field they choose to pursue.

Non-improvisational games like Pictionary and charades will help you see how your class interacts as they split into teams and get to know each other in situations with clear rules and boundaries. If you notice any resentment stemming from long standing histories of conflict between different nationalities or creeds, you can note it at this time and be careful of your matches when pairing students for the next step: role playing.

Skits, debates, 'murder mysteries' - these are all wonderful ways to prepare students for using their language skills outside the classroom. They can also help introduce ideas and customs that are different than those of a student's native country so that they will not be at a loss when faced with them in their new home. Start with simple situations and dialogues, then progress to a looser form of improvisation to let your students take the initiative.

Games for EFL Learners

EFL learners will fall into three main categories. The first group is comprised of people who wish to attain a strong command of the language so they can navigate the business world. Good games for these students involve role-playing and debating to hone skills they can use in various business situations. These types of games can also familiarize them with customs and practices not known normally present in their own country. A student from Japan once halted an activity to protest that the manner in which the mock board meeting was being held could not possibly reflect real American business practices - so widely did they vary from Japanese custom. However a fellow colleague with former experience in a U.S. branch confirmed that the role-play was, surprising though this may have seemed, in fact an accurate portrayal.

The second type of students will be learning English as a hobby or for traveling and will probably be aiming more for a grasp of good conversational English. Activities for these classes can include nearly any listening or speaking game; songs and chants are popular as are sentence or story building games. Group activities are good for these students to promote the quick thinking and fluidity of speech they will need in conversation.

The third type of EFL student is focused on academia, and may question why you play games in the classroom at all. A young Cambridge-bound student from Germany was even offended at what she considered to be a waste of valuable study time - until her teacher pointed out that all the questions included in the quiz games were actually taken from practice tests found in the textbook she would be using. She then became very enthusiastic about the weekly 'competitions' and passed her exams with flying colors.

For EFL learners who are preparing for examinations, check to see if there will be a speaking element included in the test. Games can be helpful in preparing for this, or if speaking is not tested you can focus on activities to support reading and writing.

Whether your class is comprised of EFL or ESL learners, many activities can be found to fit your specific needs. You will find that properly selected and presented games can help all language students reach their goals in a fun, entertaining atmosphere!

About the author: Shelley Vernon, conscious of the vital role teachers can play in the lives of their pupils, promotes learning through encouragement and games.

Receive free teaching games and ideas on ESL and EFL Games http://www.teachingenglishgames.com/adults.htm
Get your students talking in meaningful contexts and have fun!