Different kinds of reading

We need to make a distinction between extensive and intensive reading. The term extensive reading refers to reading which students do often (but not exclusively) away from the classroom. They may read novels, web pages, newspapers, magazines or any other reference material. Where possible, extensive reading should involve reading for pleasure - what Richard Day calls joyful reading. This is enhanced if students have a chance to choose what they want to read, if they are encouraged to read by the teacher, and if some...

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Formal lesson planning

On teacher training courses, trainees are often expected to produce a written lesson plan for each lesson taught.This is not because teachers in the real world always do this for every lesson, but as: training in 'planning-thinking'; evidence to your tutors that you have thought about the lesson; a chance for trainers to understand your thinking and find out how to help you better if things go wrong in the actual lesson. Formal plans often divide into three distinct sections: background information about the class, the teacher, the materials...

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Language learning starts at home

All children, except for those with an exceptional degree of handicap, a gross defect of intelligence or a severe impairment of hearing, come to school having learned a great deal of language. This is true regardless of their social class. We can find evidence for  this in Gordon Wells’ (1987) fifteen-year longitudinal study of 128 children across the social spectrum in Bristol. Wells studied the tasks that children can achieve through talk, such as: asking questions; making plans; recalling past events; commenting on the world around...

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How to teach speaking?

Here are some points for improving speaking skills: 1. Take time to breathe properly. If they breathe too quickly they will not speak clearly and fluently. 2. Give students enough time to speak. Their contribution is important. 3. Encourage students to record themselves speaking. They can choose a text. Listen to the recording carefully to work out where they need to improve. 4. Suggest to students that they choose someone they admire whose mother tongue is English (perhaps a film star). If they can model their speaking on this person,...

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Why use computers with your students?

There are many good reasons to use computers with your students both inside and outside of class. Four of these are: Computers are motivating The majority of students seem to enjoy using computers and will enthusiastically play games or surf the Internet outside class. Using computers in your teaching can harness some of this enthusiasm and focus it on the students’ learning. Computers provide a neutral environment Good language learners take risks and experiment with language as they are learning. This can be a very daunting prospect...

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