TEACHERS' INSTRUCTIONAL LANGUAGE

Instruction is strongly related to the process of imparting knowledge and teaching. It is

crucial to ensure teaching and learning goes well. Students' responses and performances are also
highly connected to teachers' instructional language. In addition, instructions also linked to
lesson planning.
Based on my own experiences, once there are problems with the instruction, nothing is
going to work. I have experienced where my own instructions in classroom was unclear, and
because of that, the students were unable to respond appropriately. There was once, I accidently
said 'step up' instead of 'stand up'. The students were unclear with the instruction given and the
ended up staring at me until i repeat the instruction by saying "I need you to stand up please" and
only after that they responded to my instruction.
Based on my observation, the choices of words used as instructions have to match
students' level of proficiency. The first time I entered my class, I realised that my instruction
were too complex for my students. They were asking the meaning of each word in order to
understand the instruction given. Since that, I have decided to use simple words and sentences. In
addition, non-verbal language is also crucial where I use demonstration for my instruction
especially for groups' activity and language games. The actions showed through demonstration
helps my student to learn new vocabulary. This is somehow unconsciously helping them to
improve their language proficiency.
The command given by the teacher is very important. As for teachers who have low
proficiency students, the instruction need to be repeated at least two or three times, and while
repeating the instructions, teacher have to identify which students have problems to comprehend

the instructions given. There are a few simple ways to improve instructional language used in
class. As for example, teacher can provide time for students to comprehend and response to any
instructions given. This is because students try to relate the words used by English teachers with
their first language, and then they will try to respond. Other than that, as mentioned above the
choices of words or vocabulary. Teachers may use simple words which suits the level of the
students. Avoid sentence which is to complex and too much of bombastic words. Besides that,
teacher can also introduce words that will often be used since the first class such as the words or
phrases like sit in groups of..., copy the notes..., paste the paper..., etc. This will seriously help
the students to comprehend the instructions given. Besides that, teacher should also practice
rechecking students' understanding using simple questions. This is to ensure that students
understand what are required by the teacher. Students with low level of proficiency will not be
able to comprehend or process the instruction or information quickly in order to make their own
meaningful notes. However, teachers may highlight the key or main ideas. Other than that,
teachers may also provide written instruction especially for worksheet and homework.
In a nutshell, instructional language used by English teachers in classroom is one of the
factors that contribute to students' performances and responses. It is correlated to students
understanding and action. Referring to that, teachers have to ensure they use the appropriate
language in order to give instruction to the students.