MITX, a new tool for ESL teachers

Many ESL teachers are constantly suffering from one problem: how is it possible to integrate their classes to what the students are learning in other subjects? If this goal is achieved, not only the students will be more intrigued to learn English, but also they will find it learning procedure easier and more natural. To solve such a problem, it was not easy considering students are from all kinds of backgrounds and are therefore interested in subject in a wide selection. The brith MITX, however, provides a precious opportunity to solve it. 


MITX is a free online program sponsored by Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the top tier schools in science and technology all over the world. For now, there is only one course, 6.002x Circuits and Electronics, offered on the system. In the Fall 2012, there will much more subjects offered from many different departments. After a simple registration, you will be able to start enjoying the learning process of 'Circuits and Electronics', as if you are actually a registered student at MIT. Presentations slides of the professors in classes are posted online each time after class together with other materials, including assignments, tests and answers. Sometimes, official videos recorded in class are also posted to help people understand the professors better. 


Now, let's get back to the subject and take a look at how ESL teachers are able to benefit from such a program. For a college ESL teacher in an Asian country, for example China, there are many students from different departments. Students might get bored by the practices in English that are designed to learn about knowledge points in English. However, imagining if the teacher assign a project to the students from Electrical engineering department to present some content on circuits and electronics, which they are provided with MITX program to get help from. They will be integrating closely what they have learned in their major with their knowledge in English. This is a perfect experience for the students to practice their speaking, reading, listening and even presenting skills. Once more courses are offered at MITX, students from other departments will also have the chance to present their own majors. 


In summary, MITX has provided ESL teachers great opportunity to help their students learn English better, more naturally by integrating the students' knowledge in English together with their major. This program will be even more powerful once more subjects are offered.