Language Teachers: from Gatekeepers to Curators

TEFL teaching in the time of AI, chatbots and infinite resources.

Sep 07, 2024

It’s hard to believe, but before the Internet, people were still able to learn languages.

In those distant times, language learners had relatively few resources - textbooks, dictionaries, the occasional cassette tape, and library books. Teachers were fonts of knowledge who had the key to unlocking a new language. They were linguistic gatekeepers.

Today, we have AI chatbots and the internet.

Learning resources: scarce to abundant

Language learning has dramatically changed in the last twenty years (and is changing really fast now). Students no longer struggle to find resources but are overwhelmed by them. No need to attend English corners - an AI app on your phone is your infinitely patient language partner.

This is good and bad for teachers.

First, let’s throw away the idea that we no longer need teachers. Students didn’t need teachers before, but teachers had jobs. Now, students still need them, for the same reasons.

It means TEFL teachers need to tweak how we teach - more curating and guiding, less talking and explaining.

New tech, new problems

Learners haven’t started magically acquiring languages now that we have AI.

Miraculous language learning also didn’t happen when Internet usage spread, either. The sheer amount of available information can make it difficult for students to know what is accurate, useful, or appropriate.

Overwhelm, confusion, and doubt kick in.

This is where the TEFL teacher's role becomes crucial—we need to adapt to help learners solve these new problems, so they can get the best out of their study time.

The TEFL teacher’s changing role

Our job is no longer just to teach the rules of grammar or the nuances of vocabulary, but to guide students through the sea of information. We must help them filter, prioritize, and apply what they find to their personal language learning journey.

If they’re sufficiently motivated to learn, they’ll absorb grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary as they consume resources outside lessons (with correction during lessons!). If they only practice language when they’re in lessons, they’ll never become proficient.

So, we can say that TEFL teachers have moved from being a resource themselves, to being both a curator and a confidence builder.

Let’s look at the roles of both.

1. Teachers as curators

Teachers, as curators, select and organise resources that best meet their students' needs. Here are some things I’ve found myself doing to help my learners.

Find and recommend resources

Introduce students to reliable resources, such as reputable language learning websites, podcasts, and apps, games, articles, sports viewing sites. At their level, if possible.
Teach them how to evaluate the quality and relevance of these resources. For example, show them how to check a website for red flags or assess whether a video is suitable for their language level.

Filter noise

Curate high-quality materials that align with the objectives of the course.
Encourage students to focus on a few select resources rather than trying to consume everything available (to avoid overwhelm)

Create learning paths

For 1-to-1 students, recognise that each student’s language learning needs and goals are unique - and then create a personalised learning plan with a mix of curated resources and classroom activities.

Encourage critical thinking

Teach students to critically engage with the information they encounter. This includes questioning the validity of sources, analysing different perspectives, and reflecting on how new knowledge fits with what they already know.

Build connection and application

Help students bridge the gap between theory and practice by integrating curated resources into real-world tasks. For instance, use a news article as the basis for a class debate, or assign a podcast episode as listening homework with follow-up discussion questions.
Encourage students to apply what they’ve learned meaningfully, whether through writing, speaking, or other creative projects.

2. Teachers as confidence builders

Whenever I learn something, I usually fall into the trap of changing methods to find the "best" way to learn.

It’s often the same with students. “If I just find the right app, textbook, or strategy, I’ll unlock the secret to fluency”.This constant switching can lead to frustration, lack of progress, and even burnout. As TEFL teachers, it’s our responsibility to help students stay the course by building their confidence in the method we’ve curated for them.

Here’s how to do just that.

Build trust in the method

Tell them why the chosen method is so good. When students understand the thought process behind their learning plan, they’re more likely to trust it.
Reinforce the idea that language learning is a gradual process and that consistent effort with a well-curated method will yield results over time. Setting realistic expectations can help prevent the impatience that often leads to method-switching.

Demonstrate progress

Highlight your students' progress regularly, no matter how small. This can be done through formative assessments, progress reviews, or simply by pointing out improvements in class.
You reinforce the method's effectiveness by showing students tangible evidence of their progress. This, in turn, builds their confidence and reduces the urge to abandon the current approach in favour of something new.

Address concerns

While it’s important to stick to a method, it’s equally important to be responsive to students’ concerns. If a student feels that a particular resource or activity isn’t working for them, take the time to discuss why they feel this way.
Sometimes, a small adjustment—such as supplementing with additional practice in a challenging area—can make a significant difference. By addressing issues thoughtfully, you show students that their input is valued and that the method can be flexible without losing its effectiveness.

Encourage patience

Remind students that language learning doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a journey that requires patience, persistence, and dedication. Encourage them to commit to the method for a set period, such as a few months, before evaluating its effectiveness.
Help them understand that frequent switching disrupts their learning rhythm and prevents them from fully benefiting from any one approach. Committing to a method allows them to truly absorb and integrate what they’re learning.

Reassure and motivate

Lastly, provide ongoing reassurance that they are on the right track. Positive reinforcement and motivational support are key to maintaining students’ confidence in the method. Celebrate their achievements, however small, and remind them of the progress they’ve made since the beginning.
Sometimes, just knowing that their teacher believes in the chosen method and in their ability to succeed with it can give students the boost they need to stay focused and resist the temptation to search for something "better."

Error correct and feedback

Make sure that your students have the confidence to know that they’re accurate and can communicate effectively. Do this by making sure you error correct
Give positive feedback as well as error correction. Notice when your students improve and tell them, with an example of how they’ve improved in an aspect of language.

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