TeachingEnglish
How do you get your students speaking in the classroom?
Submitted by TE Editor on 30 September, 2010 - 18:56
We went out and about at IATEFL to get your tips on how to get your students speaking English in class. Have a look at the video to see what answers we received. What do you think?
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I think the key to getting students to speak is creating a real need to communicate. Not only should the topics be interesting, but the tasks should be structured in such a way that requires students to exchange information in order to succesfully complete the task. For example, instead of simply talking about what students like to do in the summer, you could ask students to discuss various summer activities and decide on the most suitable one for a student who doesn't have a lot of money. Then, get students to present their solutions to the class.
However, we must remember that some students are naturally not very talkative. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish a lack of confidence or proficiency from personality.
First of all I make my students talk about themselves, their feelings and desires. They make mistakes but they are not afraid, they are talking all the time and want to improve their knowledge. Listenings are also very important during the lecture, because different teachers can pronounce words in a different way. :-)
Make it clear to students that the classroom is the one place where they can and must make mistakes without any problem at all. I always tell my students that they are not English, they probably don´t want to be either, so the fact they are studying and speaking at all is a great feat!
If students are shy to speak and give their opinions themselves, they often are more comfortable when they are participating in role plays with a mini guide and in debates I often give them an opinion to express, i.e ¨You disagree because ...." "You agree because..."giving them a basis on which to practice the language you are focusing on. This takes away any fears they might have about upsetting others.
Alot of people don´t actually want to share their opinons in any sort of forum, be it a classroom or anywhere else, no matter how interesting the topic is.. I ALWAYS give them the option to invent instead of talking about themselves if they prefer... don´t make it too personal if they seem to be private people.
Finally, it´s important to ensure they understand the language point you want them to practice, and of course make sure that YOU sit back and SHUT UP!!
I believe the most important element in getting the student to speak English in class is the comfort level. If the student is comfortable and not fearful of any prejudice, laughing, or embarrassing situation he or she will be more willing to talk.
When the student is confident and aware that you are there to encourage help and assist ('not correct') he or she will have the confidence to try harder and speak more freely.
Finally there are 3 stages to learning to speak confidently, i.e. firstly the student will get comfortable speaking to you as the teacher in class. You have won his or her confidence and the practice must move on to the students talking to each other in class. The next stage is to encourage (easier sadi then done) the students to talk to each other outside of the class and finally the student can progress on to speaking in English to strangers.
Hello!I've read your comment, Ajit Singh Nagpal, and totally agree with your opinion.I haven't got a great experience in teaching, but I can confirm from my teaching experience that these are definite keys how to inspire students to express their opinions in the English language in class and even outside of class.Thanks
We can get our students speak by asking questions, making communicative activities, provide an atmosphere that everyone feel comfortable when speaking. It depends on the teacher too because the teacher should encourage students to speak 90% of the lesson in an speaking lesson.
Sometimes it seems quite difficult for teachers to realise, to understand, to see what our students feel as a motivating topic or activity. This may be due to the really short period of time that we spend together in our English classes. A good first analysis of the class, with questions that can get ourselves closer to their preferences and believes might be a good beginning to create a relationship that promotes communication and encourages interaction.Respecting differences is also as important as a challenging activity, a shy student might feel overwhelmed if we push too hard and the result would be exactly the opposite of what we were expecting.
Although it is somehow difficult for some of my students to speak in English in the classroom, they always try to do so because I always try to attract their attention and tell them about the importance of participating in English. When I encourage them, they do not feel embarrassed of making mistakes; they just want to do it correctly.
:)
Some students have diffuculty in speaking English, especially in a class. When they make mistakes, they feel embrassed. I encourage them and try to ask questions about their interests, hobbies, favourites, daily routines...
I strongly believe in the encouragement to the students before i ask them to speak about anything.
because outcome is generally produced by the input.
and i do get such results n find my students speaking in the class whether with the mistakes too. :)
It is one of the difficult things in teaching English. Students are a bit scared of talking because others laugh at them and they also don't want to make mistakes. I always try to engourage them that language needs to be talked with mistakes or without it. It doesn't matter. I ask them questions and also try to to get them interested in the topics usually choosing topics which captures their attention. The main thing award them with sweets or sth else.
I can talk with my students about things they like and it's very important to give them opportunity to express themselves