Top 20 Interview Questions & Answers for English Instructor Roles – 2021

Preparing for an English Instructor job interview? This guide provides a list of essential questions and answers that will assess your teaching experience, communication skills, and knowledge of the English language and literature. Whether you're applying for a position as an ESL instructor, literature teacher, or writing instructor, these questions cover all key areas of the job.

General Questions

• 1. Tell us about your experience as an English instructor.
  As a language modeler for the past three years, I have taught English to students of all ages and levels, including beginner, intermediate, and advanced. I have also tutored individuals and small groups in academic writing, grammar, and conversation. My experience has allowed me to develop effective teaching methods and adapt to various learning styles.
• 2. What do you enjoy most about teaching English?
  The joy of seeing my students improve their language skills and achieve their learning goals is what I love most about teaching English. It is a gratifying experience to know that I am making a positive impact on my students' lives and helping them communicate effectively in the English language.
• 3. How do you keep your English lessons engaging and interactive?
  To keep my English lessons engaging and interactive, I incorporate a variety of teaching methods such as games, role-playing, debates, and group activities. I also encourage students to participate and ask questions, making the class more dynamic and individual-centered.
• 4. How do you assess and evaluate students' progress in English?
  I use a combination of assessments, including quizzes, tests, and assignments, to evaluate students' progress in English. I also make sure to provide constructive feedback and work with students to develop action plans to improve their language skills.
• 5. How do you handle difficult or unmotivated students in your English class?
  When faced with difficult or unmotivated students, I first try to understand the root of the issue by having a one-on-one conversation with them. I then work on building a positive and supportive relationship with the student to help them overcome their challenges and find motivation in their learning.

Behavioral Questions

• 6. Tell us about a time when you had to adapt your teaching style to meet a student's learning needs.
  In one of my classes, I had a student with a learning disability who struggled with reading and writing. To accommodate their needs, I modified my lesson plans and incorporated more visual aids and hands-on activities. This allowed the student to learn in a way that suited them and helped them make significant progress during the course.
• 7. Describe a time when you had to handle a difficult situation in the classroom.
  In one of my classes, two students got into an argument that escalated and became disruptive to the learning environment. I calmly addressed the situation by first acknowledging the students' feelings and then redirecting the focus back to the lesson. I also spoke with the students individually after class and helped them find a resolution, ensuring a positive and safe classroom for all students.
• 8. How do you incorporate real-world examples and experiences into your English lessons?
  I strongly believe in using real-world examples and experiences to make lessons more relatable and engaging for students. For instance, when teaching vocabulary, I use current news articles or popular movies to help students understand the words in context and make connections to their own lives.
• 9. Tell us about a time when you used technology to enhance your English lessons.
  In a writing class, I used online platforms to create a virtual classroom where students could collaborate and peer-review each other's work in real-time. This not only introduced technology as a tool for learning but also improved students' writing skills through timely feedback.
• 10. How do you handle a student who consistently disrupts the class and refuses to follow rules?
  I believe in establishing clear classroom rules and consequences at the beginning of the course. If a student consistently disrupts the class and refuses to follow rules, I first speak to them privately about their behavior and the consequences of their actions. If the problem persists, I involve the school's disciplinary measures while also keeping open communication with the student to find a solution.

Situational Questions

• 11. If a student is struggling with grammar concepts, how do you help them grasp the concepts effectively?
  To help a student struggling with grammar concepts, I would provide additional practice exercises and examples, as well as break down complex rules into simpler, manageable segments. I would also check for understanding by asking the student to explain the concepts in their own words and provide further guidance if needed.
• 12. How would you handle a cultural misunderstanding that arises in the classroom?
  In a culture-sensitive subject like English, it is essential to promote inclusivity and respect for diverse perspectives. If a cultural misunderstanding arises in the classroom, I would encourage open dialogue and perspective-taking, where students can learn from each other and address any misconceptions or biases.
• 13. If you have a student who is struggling with a particular reading assignment, how would you help them comprehend the material better?
  If a student is struggling with a reading assignment, I would first check if the text is at their appropriate reading level. If it is, I would provide additional support such as annotation strategies, context clues, and active reading techniques. I would also discuss the reading with the student and ask them questions to promote critical thinking and comprehension.
• 14. How would you address a student who is not participating in group activities?
  If a student is not participating in group activities, I would first try to understand their reasons for not participating. I would then work with the student to find a suitable alternative, such as assigning a different role in the activity or allowing them to work independently. I would also address any underlying issues that may be hindering their participation and offer support or resources to help them engage more in class.
• 15. How do you handle a student who is struggling with spelling and writing without alienating them?
  In addition to offering support and resources for the student to improve their spelling and writing skills, I would also highlight their strengths and provide positive reinforcement. I would also ensure that the student is not singled out in class and offer differentiated assignments that cater to their strengths and interests while still addressing their challenges.

Technical Questions

• 16. What strategies do you use to teach grammar to non-native English speakers?
  I use a variety of techniques such as visual aids, sentence structure exercises, and role-playing to teach grammar to non-native English speakers. I also make sure to explain the rules in a simplified manner and provide ample opportunities for practice and feedback.
• 17. How do you incorporate cultural sensitivity and diversity into your language lessons?
  As an English instructor, it is crucial to promote cultural sensitivity and diversity in language lessons. I incorporate diverse texts and perspectives from different cultures, encourage respectful language use, and facilitate discussions on cultural differences and similarities.
• 18. How do you teach students to improve their vocabulary and use it effectively in writing and speaking?
  To help students improve their vocabulary, I introduce new words in context, provide practice activities, and encourage students to use the words in their speaking and writing. Additionally, I also teach strategies such as prefix, suffix, and root word analysis to help students decipher the meanings of unfamiliar words.
• 19. How do you approach teaching different writing styles, such as academic, creative, and business?
  Depending on the students' levels and learning objectives, I use various approaches to teach different writing styles. For academic writing, I focus on structured argumentation, citation, and research skills, while for creative writing, I emphasize literary elements and expression. For business writing, I teach professional tone and effective communication techniques.
• 20. How do you introduce and teach literary analysis and critical thinking in your literature class?
  To introduce literary analysis, I first explain the concept and demonstrate it by analyzing a text with the students. I then provide a framework for students to structure their analysis and guide them through close reading and interpretation techniques. I also encourage discussions and debates to promote critical thinking and multiple perspectives.