Challenges, difficulties and problems encountered by learners of English as second language (and the Solution)

Learning a second language is not an easy task. Learning any language as a second one is a hard task too, especially if you are learning English outside of an English-speaking environment. For example, English language learners in some Asian and Arab countries face several challenges because English is not the official language of these countries.

1. Unqualified instructors and trainers

This is the most ignored problem. What makes this issue complicated to solve is that since many countries are unaware of the importance of English, they cannot decide who is a good English teacher and who isn't.

2. Inadequate Learning settings

Whatever learners of English as a second language have studied inside the classroom, they almost forget everything acquired when they step out their schools. In most cases, students only make an effort to speak English in the classroom when they are under control. Besides, students don’t or rarely hear native speakers of English. As a result, it becomes more difficult to learn correct English.

3. Students are not Serious 

Students don’t study English as much as they study other subjects. In most cases, students just study English only in the classroom when the teacher is teaching. Outside the class, they drop their books and wait for the next class. Students don’t study all skills, they don’t interact with, at least, each other by applying what they have had in the classroom. They don’t communicate with other people particularly those who master English and can speak it fluently and accurately. They don’t study essay writing, and they don’t make an effort to learn new vocabulary. They bring every little problem to the teacher during classes.

4. Over-Use of Learners Native Language

Students are not patient during studying and acquiring English, because they even speak their first language during the limited time of the English class. Some teachers are themselves using old methodology of teaching English like the translation approach, they are not enough trained to be updated to the modern approaches of practicing and teaching English.

5. Students are Too Dependent on their Teacher

Students go to their teacher with every little difficulty they face. As a result, they will never be able to learn English on their own.

6. Good Students take over the Class

Some teachers don’t take differences between students into special consideration. They are satisfied with some very few students who are really good and hardworking, but dominating the classroom. As a consequence, weak students are almost ignored by their teacher, and are always left behind. Weaker students shouldn't be forgotten in the classroom discussions and activities. Motivating and encouraging should be equally shared out to all levels and all learners.

The Solution
First of all, there must well trained and reliable teachers and trainers of English; those who understand that they are responsible to the job they are carrying out.
Students must be careful to the use of correct materials recommended by their reliable teacher.
Students must show real endeavors to learn English inside and outside the classroom.

What do you think is the huge obstacle to learning ESL?

*Unqualified teachers
*Inadequate learning materials
*Poor learning environments
*Lack of commitment to learning