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ESL forum >
Techniques and methods in Language Teaching > How do you get them use the taught phrases
How do you get them use the taught phrases
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BRAHIM S
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How do you get them use the taught phrases
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Dear all,
My question concerns teaching specific (often described as useful) phrases in general.
In business English, for example, I usually have some common topics to cover (Meetings, email writing, presentations, English on the phone,... to mention but a few examples)
One of the first things I usually start with is essentailly theretical: presenting the language of ..."the topic in question" , then cover the other skills (listening, reading and speaking...)
When it comes to speaking, I have often noticed that my students generally would hardly use the "new" taught phrases effeciently ... They would use their own existing means instead... I have also noticed that some would have a look at the list, then put it aside...
I should admit, however, that this is not always the case when it comes to general English, when teaching different functions, advising, complaining, suggesting ... for example, and where a set of three or four phrases replace the long lists
I am wondering if it is a question of length, students being lost when invaded by long, sometimes impressive, lists which mine would always ask for, or if it�s simply due to the very nature of the topic studied (business matters being probably more complex for some )
I would be very happy to know how you proceed when teaching such topics which involve long lists
Thanks first for taking time to read my post, and thanks a second time for your comments |
31 Jan 2009
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Apryll12
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Hi Brahim,
When I teach business English I follow more or less the same procedure as you. But for the next lesson I always prepare some �lighter� material for my students. Let me give you an example: even though we are talking about business language and maybe more advanced students, they like games and playing, so I usually make a different card for each of them with about 3 or 4 of the phrases we have learnt, I place them in a situation with roles and they act it out. They can say whatever they like but there is one condition: they MUST use the phrases on their cards. They mustn�t finish the conversation until every one of them could use their phrases. Sometimes it�s very funny because they try to direct the conversation in a way that enables them to use their phrases as soon as possible.
I hope I understood your question well, because I don�t really see why you make long lists for your students. Even if it�s business language, for all the well-known situations you should make a list of the most frequent phrases, let�s say maximum ten of them for each function. At least this is what I do, firstly because my students are mostly busy business people with very little time for studying and secondly because long lists of words/phrases without content are extremely hard to learn, not to mention that it�s not efficient either.
I hope I could help you a little with my opinion.
Regards,
Krisztina
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31 Jan 2009
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helena2009
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Dear Kriszti,
You idea is great!!! I would like to try it!
I use a similar (but more simple) task when we are learning present continuous . One student is out, and the others in the classroom think a story. When the student is in they act out the story without saying a word. The student has to ask questions: Are you dancing? Are you jumping? etc. The others continue the play until they can say: YES, WE ARE. The end of this task when the student (who were out at the begining) can tell the whole story.
Have you got a collection of situations which you use in your role plays? Sometimes it is difficult to find a good one.
Many thanks from
Judy |
31 Jan 2009
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MissMelissa12
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YOU CAN ALSO :
PLAY TIC-TAC TOE : STORE THE SITUTATIONS ON A TIC-TAC-TOE GRID AND WRITE THE PHRASES IN EACH SQUARE, SO THEY WILL HAVE TO GIVE YOU A SENTENCE, EXPRESSION WITH THE PHRASE YOU WANT. (You can also establish the topic the expressions/sentences will go around).
BRING SOME NEWSPAPERS: THERE IS ALWAYS THE BUSSINESS SECTION, SO YOU CAN ARRANGE THE PIECES OF NEWS AND HAND THEM IN TO YOU THE STUDENTS, FOR THE TO DISCUSS ABOUT IT , OF COURSE USING THE PHRASE TAUGHT.
ROLE-PLAYS: STUDENTS CAN ADOPT CHARACTERS AND USE SOME SITUATION CARDS AS MENTIONED BEFORE. STICK THE SITUATION CARD ON THE STUDENT�S BELLY, SO THE REST OF THE CLASS ACT IT OUT AND HE/SHE GUESSES WHAT THE EXPRESSION IS.
I am also for the idea of including some games with bussiness students.!
Miss Melissa.  |
1 Feb 2009
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douglas
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I agree Kriszti69s idea is wonderful--I will use it. What�s the chance of you uploading a copy of your cards as a worksheet--I would really like to see them?
Douglas |
2 Feb 2009
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