Showing posts with label speak. Show all posts
Showing posts with label speak. Show all posts
Sunday, May 4, 2014
Saturday, May 3, 2014
Thursday, May 1, 2014
My Teaching Methods
I have been a Polish and English teacher since 1976.
Over the years, I have taught many classes. I
introduce a new language mainly by listening and at the beginning all lessons
consist of listening, speaking as well as repeating or performing only. I teach
grammar simply through situations with no reference to grammar rules at all. My
students listen and read a lot to improve their language communication
skills. I do not take advantage of the bridge
language L1.
I
often find myself thinking in Polish and English, flying back and forth from
the two languages. It is difficult to manage exchanging thoughts in two languages simultaneously. Anyhow, why would you like to? Generally speaking, I am for blended learning and teaching with no remark to L1.
Thinking in a foreign language from an early stage helps students gain a level of fluency making very few errors in communication.
I believe, the sooner a student learns to think in a foreign language, the faster she/he will learn. This can only take place if no reference at all is made to L1. My learners need to be free from the interruption of L1.
Maybe I am wrong because it is obviously much easier to teach/learn with the help of pure conversion.
On the other hand, I know that anyone who is learning a second language wishes and dreams about communicating and thinking in that language.
I teach a lot, approximately 4 Polish classes and 4 English classes a day, and I have to admit that my students are very successful learners.
Wednesday, April 23, 2014
Music in Teaching English
Music in Teaching English
Music can be used in the classroom to create a learning environment; to build listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills; to increase vocabulary, and to expand cultural knowledge. Using Songs in Instruction Most classroom music activities focus on lyrics. They contain common, short words and many personal pronouns, the language is conversational time and place are usually imprecise (except for some folk ballads); the lyrics are often sung at a slower rate than words are spoken with more pauses between utterances, and there is repetition of vocabulary and structures. These factors allow learners to understand and relate to the songs.
A further benefit of pop song lyrics is that their meanings are melted, and, like poetry, allow for many different interpretations. Through songs, students discover the natural stretching and compacting of the stream of English speech. Students may summarize orally the action or theme of a song or give oral presentations about a song or musician, playing musical selections for the course. Many songs tell a story, and these stories can be rewritten or retold to practice narrative or summarizing. Pop songs are written to be easily understood and enjoyed.
As discussed above, they tend to use high frequency lyrics that have emotional content. This makes them strong candidates for word study or reinforcing words already learned through written means. If a series of songs is to be used, students can be teamed up and given a song to teach the class. However, the songs may also have idioms in them that might be difficult to explain, depending on the level of the students.
Cultural Knowledge Activities Songs can be used in discussions of culture. They are a rich source of information about human relations, ethics, customs, history, humor, and regional and cultural differences.
Selecting Music
1. Song lyrics should be clear and loud, not submerged in the instrumental music.
2. The vocabulary load for the song should be appropriate to the proficiency level.
3. Songs should be pre-screened for potentially problematic content, such as explicit language, references to violent acts or sex, or inappropriate religious allusions. Teachers will show care and effort when presenting songs they are especially fond of, their favorites are also good.
Finally, students are often strongly motivated to learn the lyrics of a new pop song or an old favorite they have heard and never understood, so their choices for classroom music should not be ignored.
References
Eken, D. K. (1996). Ideas for using songs in the English language classroom. English Teaching Forum, 34(1), 46-47. Griffee, D. T. (1990).
Hey baby! Teaching short and slow songs in the ESL classroom. TESL Reporter, 23(4), 3-8. Lems, K. (1996).
For a song: Music across the ESL curriculum. Tags: Music, singing in teaching English
http://english.wiziq.com/topic/1009-music-in-teaching-english_truncated
Music can be used in the classroom to create a learning environment; to build listening comprehension, speaking, reading, and writing skills; to increase vocabulary, and to expand cultural knowledge. Using Songs in Instruction Most classroom music activities focus on lyrics. They contain common, short words and many personal pronouns, the language is conversational time and place are usually imprecise (except for some folk ballads); the lyrics are often sung at a slower rate than words are spoken with more pauses between utterances, and there is repetition of vocabulary and structures. These factors allow learners to understand and relate to the songs.
A further benefit of pop song lyrics is that their meanings are melted, and, like poetry, allow for many different interpretations. Through songs, students discover the natural stretching and compacting of the stream of English speech. Students may summarize orally the action or theme of a song or give oral presentations about a song or musician, playing musical selections for the course. Many songs tell a story, and these stories can be rewritten or retold to practice narrative or summarizing. Pop songs are written to be easily understood and enjoyed.
As discussed above, they tend to use high frequency lyrics that have emotional content. This makes them strong candidates for word study or reinforcing words already learned through written means. If a series of songs is to be used, students can be teamed up and given a song to teach the class. However, the songs may also have idioms in them that might be difficult to explain, depending on the level of the students.
Cultural Knowledge Activities Songs can be used in discussions of culture. They are a rich source of information about human relations, ethics, customs, history, humor, and regional and cultural differences.
Selecting Music
1. Song lyrics should be clear and loud, not submerged in the instrumental music.
2. The vocabulary load for the song should be appropriate to the proficiency level.
3. Songs should be pre-screened for potentially problematic content, such as explicit language, references to violent acts or sex, or inappropriate religious allusions. Teachers will show care and effort when presenting songs they are especially fond of, their favorites are also good.
Finally, students are often strongly motivated to learn the lyrics of a new pop song or an old favorite they have heard and never understood, so their choices for classroom music should not be ignored.
References
Eken, D. K. (1996). Ideas for using songs in the English language classroom. English Teaching Forum, 34(1), 46-47. Griffee, D. T. (1990).
Hey baby! Teaching short and slow songs in the ESL classroom. TESL Reporter, 23(4), 3-8. Lems, K. (1996).
For a song: Music across the ESL curriculum. Tags: Music, singing in teaching English
http://english.wiziq.com/topic/1009-music-in-teaching-english_truncated
About Halina's Karaoke ESL Edupunk
Halina's
Karaoke ESL Edupunk classes where my original materials to go with the
song.
As for “are there gender-based or L1-based
observable differences in their learning performance patterns in response to
these two kinds of presentations?"
I would say that all depends on the requirements
of particular learners as well as on our personal teaching preferences.
I introduce a new language by listening to real
conversations, and all lessons are made up of talking and listening only. I
teach grammar basically through situations with no reference to grammar rules
at all.
I don't
teach grammar rules and isolated vocabulary. I teach conversational language.
My adult students are not into “abstract
timelines or cartoon stick-figure-based presentations “.They want to speak the
language, so I focus on dialogs and communication skills.
This is the link to previous debate;
As a non-native English teacher, I can be
first-rate role model for my students who may not believe that they can ever
learn the target language ("I learned this language well so you can
too!").Personally I am against methods that emphasize learning about the
language but for learning by using the language/ Expressions, collocations,
models, patterns, language chunks......./
For my part, I don't approve grammar classes
explaining rules and language terminology.
Moreover, I believe, the sooner a student learns
to think in a foreign language, the faster she/he will learn. This can only
take place if no reference at all is made to L1. They must be free from the
interference of L1.
Maybe I am wrong?
On the top of this all, I distinguish that
anyone who is learning a second language wishes and dreams about communicating
as well as thinking in that language.
Teachers are duty-bound to take responsibility
of effectiveness and encouragement of their own students, I think.
PS traditional method teaches
you to read and write but not speak. Speaking is the main reason for learning a
language and the main motivational driver that keeps you trying and improving.
/ Jason West /
Tuesday, April 22, 2014
HALINA'S LEARNING, TEACHING AND MUCH MORE....: Halina's English Tutoring
HALINA'S LEARNING, TEACHING AND MUCH MORE....: Halina's English Tutoring: Private Tutor Halina
https://voicethread.com/#q.b4181272.i0.k0
There are many ways
to learn English but the best way is to have a F2F or an online private tutor.
It is
clear that a non-native who knows how to teach is way better than a native who
doesn't know how to teach.You
need someone who can motivate you, can help you learn how to enjoy studying
English as well as speaking it.
Someone
who can answer your questions, develop your skills, and design a learning package
that meets your needs in English.
With
an online English Coach, you can learn English from the comfort of your own home or from
your office, at a time that suits you.
Communication
in English nowadays is a MUST.
https://voicethread.com/share/5680749/https://voicethread.com/#q.b4181272.i0.k0
Halina's English Tutoring
Private Tutor Halina
There are many ways to learn English but the best way is to have a private tutor.
It is clear that a non-native who knows how to teach is way better than a native who doesn't know how to teach.
You need someone who can motivate you, can help you learn how to enjoy studying English as well as speaking it.
Someone who can answer your questions, develop your skills, and design a learning package that meets your needs in English.
With English Coach, you can learn English from the comfort of your own home or from your office, at a time that suits you.
Communication in English nowadays is a MUST.
https://voicethread.com/share/5680749/
https://voicethread.com/#q.b4181272.i0.k0
https://voicethread.com/share/5680749/
There are many ways to learn English but the best way is to have a private tutor.
It is clear that a non-native who knows how to teach is way better than a native who doesn't know how to teach.
You need someone who can motivate you, can help you learn how to enjoy studying English as well as speaking it.
Someone who can answer your questions, develop your skills, and design a learning package that meets your needs in English.
With English Coach, you can learn English from the comfort of your own home or from your office, at a time that suits you.
Communication in English nowadays is a MUST.
https://voicethread.com/share/5680749/
https://voicethread.com/#q.b4181272.i0.k0
https://voicethread.com/share/5680749/
Thursday, April 17, 2014
The Secret to a Long Successful Marriage
The secret to a happy marriage is kissing and saying 'I love you' 10 times a week and going on three dates a month, an American report has revealed.
The detailed study of 1,000 married Americans also found three surprise romantic gestures and 10 deep and meaningful conversations each month are key to a harmonious relationship.
Having three shared hobbies and interests and going on two vacations a year are also among the requirements for romantic bliss.
Monday, April 7, 2014
What is the role of good teaching?
http://www.16kinds.com/2014/04/05/1422/
What language teachers can learn from Sugata Mitra (a subjective list)
- Don’t ignore the internet in your teaching.
- Prepare students for dealing with real problems, not for taking tests.
- Don’t expect all learning to involve teachers.
- Accept that things will be learned, used and misused outside the classroom.
- Recognize that there is some potential in teacherless, independent work on learners’ part.
- Don’t shy away from big questions.
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Thursday, March 13, 2014
How to Learn Foreign Language?
How to Learn Foreign Language?
I am confidently sure that learning a language includes commitment, tough work and patience. I would like to talk about some guidelines which are important in improving the language.
First, we should associate our passion or skills with language.
If we like singing, we can join the Karaoke classes and online groups.
Second, we may use the right of entry on internet.
YouTube is an excellent source of perfect materials. By watching thoughtfully teachers and native speakers using the language, we are able to learn faster and effortlessly.
There are very many outstanding language teachers and we can subscribe to their videos.
Third, learning language with some joy and fun should be our way.
It doesn’t mean that we shouldn't take learning seriously. I strongly believe in the funny side and benefits with our more effective results. Another advice would be watching movies with subtitles, next without them.
Taking part in free study lessons and online Speaking Groups, will help
a lot.
Teaching Foreign Language
As a non-native English teacher, I can make excellent role model for my students who may not have faith in their ability to learn the target language (" If I made it and speak this language thus you also can!").
I am against methods that emphasize learning about the language but for learning by using the language / expressions, collocations, models, patterns, language chunks......./.
I don't approve grammar classes explaining rules and language terminology. Speaking is the main reason for learning a language and the main motivational driver that keeps you trying and improving.
My experience tells that I ought to practice active learning principles to progress activities for my students that best mirror particular communication style and the topics, forms of thinking, and solving problems strategies which are needed to comprehend and relate to the topics.
In my view, the most important skill to master is speaking the language. This is difficult assignment especially if you don’t live or work in native speaking country. We can look for reliable supports to talk to. It is essential to find someone whom we’re comfortable speaking with.
Generally speaking in high schools worldwide, attention is still focused on the language in its written form and the objective is for the student to understand the structure and rules of the language, whose parts are dissected and analyzed. The body is of greater importance than communication. Teaching and learning are based on the syllabus. One studies the theory in the absence of the practice. One values the correct and represses the incorrect. Error correction is constant leaving little room for spontaneity. The student is taught how to form interrogative and negative sentences, memorize irregular verbs, study modal verbs, etc., but hardly ever masters the use of these structures in conversation.
I strongly believe that efficient teaching is personalized, takes place in a bicultural environment and is based on the personal skills of the language instructor in building interactions and creating situations of real communication with understandable input focusing on the learner's interests.
I am against methods that emphasize learning about the language but for learning by using the language / expressions, collocations, models, patterns, language chunks......./.
I don't approve grammar classes explaining rules and language terminology. Speaking is the main reason for learning a language and the main motivational driver that keeps you trying and improving.
My experience tells that I ought to practice active learning principles to progress activities for my students that best mirror particular communication style and the topics, forms of thinking, and solving problems strategies which are needed to comprehend and relate to the topics.
In my view, the most important skill to master is speaking the language. This is difficult assignment especially if you don’t live or work in native speaking country. We can look for reliable supports to talk to. It is essential to find someone whom we’re comfortable speaking with.
Generally speaking in high schools worldwide, attention is still focused on the language in its written form and the objective is for the student to understand the structure and rules of the language, whose parts are dissected and analyzed. The body is of greater importance than communication. Teaching and learning are based on the syllabus. One studies the theory in the absence of the practice. One values the correct and represses the incorrect. Error correction is constant leaving little room for spontaneity. The student is taught how to form interrogative and negative sentences, memorize irregular verbs, study modal verbs, etc., but hardly ever masters the use of these structures in conversation.
I strongly believe that efficient teaching is personalized, takes place in a bicultural environment and is based on the personal skills of the language instructor in building interactions and creating situations of real communication with understandable input focusing on the learner's interests.
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Monday, January 6, 2014
Friday, January 3, 2014
Thursday, December 26, 2013
How long does it take to speak a language?
I believe that
learning a foreign language is an established training. I've
spent my whole life working on mastering languages.
We have to practice
every day and should communicate with natives as often as possible.
If we do not have the
time or a chance, we will lose our conversational skills.
They say practice makes
perfect; whatever I think about this slogan, it seems to be true.
At the same time, I
am aware of the fact that I will never speak like a native.
For me, the most
noteworthy is communication. In my view, pronunciation is significant as long
as the meaning is concerned. Nowadays we talk about “standard English” which
has been used internationally.
Many people want to talk
like a native. I would like to announce that accents are acceptable as long as
they are understandable.
I never force
learners to sound like native speakers, simply because they are not, besides I
am also not a native English teacher. We must teach towards intelligibility,
rather than a 'native' accent. Accent reduction in my opinion means increasing
correct and easily understandable accent.
Moreover, I use a
lot of songs in my teaching. Through songs, students discover the natural
stretching and compacting of the stream of English speech.
Students may orally summarize the spirit or matter of a song or give oral presentations about a song or musician. Many songs tell a story, and these stories can be rewritten or retold to practice narrative or summarizing skills.
This method works for my learners exceptionally well.
Students may orally summarize the spirit or matter of a song or give oral presentations about a song or musician. Many songs tell a story, and these stories can be rewritten or retold to practice narrative or summarizing skills.
This method works for my learners exceptionally well.
Generally, I think
that we learn languages to communicate, and accurate delivery is not the most
valuable skill to develop.
All in all,
everybody needs to improve communication skills, and it is an entire lifetime
job, including native speakers.
Therefore from my
point of view, the answer to the question - how long does it take to speak a
language? – is….
It takes a lifetime.
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