Differences Between the Methods of E.S.A – Patchwork, Boomerang and Straight ArrowMaking English Fun

As educators in language teaching, we’re often presented with many (MANY) various methodologies designed to enhance our teaching effectiveness and student engagement.

Central to this is the ESA (Engage, Study, Activate) teaching method, known for its adaptability and effectiveness.

However, within ESA, there are three distinct variations – Straight Arrow, Boomerang, and Patchwork – each with its unique approach and benefits.

This article aims to compare these three methods, providing a look into their structures, applications, and how they can be tailored to different classroom settings. We aim to make your job easier.

Differences Between the Methods of E.S.A - Patchwork, Boomerang and Straight Arrow

We also have a larger in-depth article on the Engage-Study-Activate Teaching method here on the site, as well as a breakdown of other advice, tips and tricks if you need to check up after this. you can access them from the links below.

But here are the differences between the three main methods of E.SA

What are the E.S.A Methods

Straight Arrow ESA

Definition: The Straight Arrow method follows a linear progression through Engage, Study, and Activate phases. It’s a structured approach where each phase clearly leads to the next.

Advantages: Ideal for clear, focused lessons where specific language points are introduced and practiced. It works well in settings where a structured approach is beneficial, such as in beginner-level classes.

The Straight Arrow Engage Study Activate Teaching Method

Boomerang ESA

Definition: The Boomerang method introduces an initial Activate phase immediately after the Engage phase, followed by the Study phase, and concludes with another Activate phase. This approach allows for early practical language use.

Advantages: Enhances student engagement and allows for immediate application of language. It’s particularly effective in lessons focused on conversational skills and fluency.

The Boomerang: Engage Study Activate Teaching Method

Patchwork ESA

Definition: The Patchwork method is characterized by its flexibility, involving multiple Engage, Study, and Activate phases in a non-linear sequence. This approach allows for greater adaptability based on student response.

Advantages: Offers dynamic and responsive lesson planning. It’s especially useful in mixed-ability classrooms and when addressing diverse learning styles.

Patchwork: Engage Study Activate Teaching Method

Differences Between the ESA Methods

In this section, we’ll examine how the Straight Arrow, Boomerang, and Patchwork methods compare in terms of structure, teacher’s role, and their impact on classroom dynamics.

Structure and Flow

Straight Arrow: Known for its linear structure, this method is straightforward, making it easy for teachers to plan and for students to follow. It’s suited for lessons where a step-by-step approach to language learning is preferred.
Boomerang: This method introduces an early Activate phase, encouraging immediate language use. It loops back to Study and then Activate again, making the learning process more dynamic and engaging.

Patchwork: The most flexible of the three, Patchwork allows for multiple iterations of Engage, Study, and Activate in any order. This structure is ideal for adapting to the flow of the class and keeping lessons dynamic.

Teacher’s Role

Straight Arrow: The teacher’s role is more directive, guiding students through a structured learning path with clear objectives for each phase.
Boomerang: Teachers need to be more adaptable, facilitating early language practice and then focusing on instruction before allowing for creative language use again.

Patchwork: Requires the teacher to be highly responsive and flexible, able to adjust the lesson flow on the go based on student engagement and understanding.

Classroom Dynamics

Straight Arrow: Tends to create a more traditional classroom dynamic with a clear teacher-led approach. It’s effective for ensuring all students grasp the lesson’s fundamental concepts.
Boomerang: Encourages a more interactive and student-centered environment from the outset. It’s great for classes where student participation and conversation are the main goals.

Patchwork: Promotes a highly dynamic and responsive classroom. It’s excellent for addressing diverse student needs and keeping the energy high throughout the lesson.

Table of Differences between E.S.A Methods

Aspect	Straight Arrow ESA	Boomerang ESA	Patchwork ESA
Structure	Linear progression: Engage → Study → Activate	Cyclical approach with early activation: Engage → Activate → Study → Activate	Non-linear, flexible sequence with multiple iterations of Engage, Study, and Activate
Flexibility	Structured, less flexible; suitable for step-by-step learning	Moderate flexibility; allows for early practical language use	Highly flexible; adaptable to student responses and class dynamics
Teacher’s Role	Directive; guides students through a structured learning path	Adaptive; facilitates early language practice and responds to student engagement	Highly responsive; adjusts lesson dynamically based on student engagement and understanding
Ideal For	Beginner learners, lessons focusing on specific language points or grammar	Lessons aimed at improving conversational skills, intermediate and advanced students	Mixed-ability classes, lessons requiring adaptability to diverse learning styles
Classroom Dynamics	More traditional, teacher-led approach	Interactive and student-centered from the start	Highly dynamic and responsive to student needs
Student Engagement	Consistent, dependent on interest in the subject	High, encourages active participation early	Varied, keeps students engaged through diverse activities
Application	Language fundamentals, vocabulary, grammar rules	Conversational practice, fluency activities	Varied lesson objectives, catering to different student needs within a single less

You can download a user friendly version of this table on the link below.

Differences between the methods of esaDownload

Each of these methods has its unique strengths and can be chosen based on the specific goals of the lesson, the composition of the class, and the desired classroom dynamics.

Choosing the Right Method

Deciding which ESA method to use in your language classroom depends on several factors. Understanding these can help you tailor your teaching approach to best suit your students’ needs and the lesson’s objectives.

Factors to Consider

Student Levels: Straight Arrow works well for beginners who need clear structure, while Boomerang and Patchwork are more suited to intermediate and advanced students who can handle a less linear approach.
Learning Objectives: For lessons focused on specific language points or grammar, Straight Arrow is ideal. Boomerang and Patchwork are better for lessons aimed at improving conversational skills and overall fluency.

Class Size and Dynamics: Large classes might benefit from the structured approach of Straight Arrow, whereas smaller classes can take advantage of the interactive nature of Boomerang and the adaptability of Patchwork.

Adapting to Student Needs

Mixed Abilities: Patchwork is particularly effective in mixed-ability classrooms, allowing you to tailor different phases to different student groups.
Student Engagement: If keeping students engaged is a challenge, the Boomerang method with its early Activate phase can spark interest and participation.

Combining Methods

Hybrid Approaches: Don’t be afraid to combine elements from different methods. For example, you might start with a Straight Arrow approach and then switch to Patchwork if the class energy demands it.
Experimentation: Each class is unique, so experimenting with different methods or combinations can lead to discovering what works best for your specific teaching context.

Choosing the right ESA method involves a careful consideration of your students’ needs, the lesson’s objectives, and the overall classroom dynamics. Flexibility and responsiveness to your students’ learning styles and engagement levels are key to effective language teaching.

Practical Applications and Examples

To further understand how the Straight Arrow, Boomerang, and Patchwork methods can be applied in real classroom settings, let’s explore some practical examples:

We have just chosen some stages to give ideas rather than full lesson plans here. We do have ESA lesson plan examples on each of the methods pages you can get from the links above.

Straight Arrow in Action

Example: Teaching basic vocabulary to beginners.
Application: A lesson on everyday objects begins with an Engage phase using realia and images, followed by a Study phase focusing on word recognition and pronunciation, and culminates in an Activate phase with a simple word-matching exercise.

Boomerang for Enhanced Engagement

Example: Improving conversational skills.
Application: Starting with a role-play (Activate) to simulate a shopping experience, then moving to a Study phase focusing on question forms and responses, and ending with another role-play incorporating the newly learned structures.

Patchwork for Diverse Learning Needs

Example: A mixed-ability class working on past tense verbs.
Application: An Engage phase with a storytelling activity, followed by a Study phase for beginners, an Activate game for advanced learners, another Study phase for reinforcement, and a final group story-creating activity (Activate) involving all students.

Challenges and Solutions

Implementing ESA methods comes with its own set of challenges. Here’s how to navigate them: (well some of them!)

Time Management and Planning

Challenge: Ensuring each phase gets adequate time, especially in Patchwork and Boomerang, which require more fluid transitions.

Solution: Careful lesson planning and being mindful of time during class. Use timers if necessary to keep phases concise.

Student Participation

Challenge: Encouraging equal participation, especially in larger classes or with varied language proficiency levels.

Solution: Design activities that encourage collaboration and ensure all students have a chance to contribute. Use group work and pair activities effectively.

Balancing Flexibility and Structure

Challenge: Maintaining a balance between the flexibility of the method and the need to cover key language points.

Solution: While being adaptable, always keep the lesson’s objectives in mind. Be prepared to steer the class back towards the main learning goals if the activities veer off course.

Conclusion

The Straight Arrow, Boomerang, and Patchwork ESA methods each offer unique benefits and cater to different teaching and learning scenarios.

The Straight Arrow method brings structure and clarity, particularly beneficial for beginners.
The Boomerang method, with its early and repeated activation phases, keeps students continually engaged, making it ideal for lessons focused on enhancing conversational skills.

The Patchwork method shines in its adaptability, perfect for addressing the diverse needs of a mixed-ability class.

Understanding and effectively employing these methods can significantly enrich the language learning experience and even though we are constantly bombarded with different teaching methodologies this one looks a little more accessible to use all.

References

Making English Fun!

I have been a teacher of English for over 15 years, in that time i made hundreds and thousands of resources and learnt so much i think its worth sharing. Hopefully to help teachers and parents around the world.

Differences Between the Methods of E.S.A – Patchwork, Boomerang and Straight Arrow

What are the E.S.A Methods

Straight Arrow ESA

Boomerang ESA