Asking for Directions ESL Style

It's hard for ESL students in the U.S. to begin conversations with English speakers, but asking for directions is one proven ESL teaching strategy to make it happen.

After spending about thirty minutes in the Boston Public Garden observing a group of my beginning level ESL students, each holding maps and asking for directions from various passersby, I saw that when they took the brave step to ask for directions from complete strangers, it often led to even more communication in English.

I approached one of my ESL students from Brazil who had just finished having a rather lengthy conversation with an elderly woman carrying an armful of flowers, and when I asked her what they were talking about, she turned to me and said "She is wonderful." I never actually pieced together the whole story that the woman shared with the girl in my class, but the conversation had a magical effect on this student. A conversation in English with someone other than my teacher? How exciting!

Other students who were part of this expedition to ask for directions also expressed excitement about conversations that took off in interesting directions. Some students heard stories about visits to their own home countries, and others had the chance to share their opinions of the United States.

What do you think? Is getting students to ask for directions a practical ESL teaching strategy? I'd love to hear your thoughts on my article related to this topic as well, so feel free to email me with your opinion.