TEACHING VOCABULARY

TEACHING VOCABULARY

WHY?

Without grammar very little can be conveyed, without vocabulary nothing can be conveyed.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO “KNOW” A WORD?

1. being able to say it with correct stress and pronunciation.
2. being able to spell it.
3. being able to recognize it in its spoken and written form.
4. knowing how it functions grammatically.
5. knowing it’s meaning (s).
6. knowing any restrictions of appropriateness.

HOW MUCH VOCABULARY DO STUDENTS NEED TO KNOW?

1. Depends on the level.
2. Depends on the context. But Meaning, Form, Pronunciation, Appropriateness are all important.

Senin, 07 Maret 2011

Suggestions For Teachers in Teaching Speakin

Here are some suggestions for English language teachers while teaching oral language:

  • Provide maximum opportunity to students to speak the target language by providing a rich environment that contains collaborative work, authentic materials and tasks, and shared knowledge.
  • Try to involve each student in every speaking activity; for this aim, practice different ways of student participation.
  • Reduce teacher speaking time in class while increasing student speaking time. Step back and observe students.
  • Indicate positive signs when commenting on a student's response.
  • Ask eliciting questions such as "What do you mean? How did you reach that conclusion?" in order to prompt students to speak more.
  • Provide written feedback like "Your presentation was really great. It was a good job. I really appreciated your efforts in preparing the materials and efficient use of your voice…"
  • Do not correct students' pronunciation mistakes very often while they are speaking. Correction should not distract student from his or her speech.
  • Involve speaking activities not only in class but also out of class; contact parents and other people who can help.
  • Circulate around classroom to ensure that students are on the right track and see whether they need your help while they work in groups or pairs.
  • Provide the vocabulary beforehand that students need in speaking activities.
Diagnose problems faced by students who have difficulty in expressing themselves in the target language and provide more opportunities to practice the spoken language.

Minggu, 06 Maret 2011

Suggestions For Teachers in Teaching Speaking

Here are some suggestions for English language teachers while teaching oral language:
  • Provide maximum opportunity to students to speak the target language by providing a rich environment that contains collaborative work, authentic materials and tasks, and shared knowledge.
  • Try to involve each student in every speaking activity; for this aim, practice different ways of student participation.
  • Reduce teacher speaking time in class while increasing student speaking time. Step back and observe students.
  • Indicate positive signs when commenting on a student's response.
  • Ask eliciting questions such as "What do you mean? How did you reach that conclusion?" in order to prompt students to speak more.
  • Provide written feedback like "Your presentation was really great. It was a good job. I really appreciated your efforts in preparing the materials and efficient use of your voice…"
  • Do not correct students' pronunciation mistakes very often while they are speaking. Correction should not distract student from his or her speech.
  • Involve speaking activities not only in class but also out of class; contact parents and other people who can help.
  • Circulate around classroom to ensure that students are on the right track and see whether they need your help while they work in groups or pairs.
  • Provide the vocabulary beforehand that students need in speaking activities.
Diagnose problems faced by students who have difficulty in expressing themselves in the target language and provide more opportunities to practice the spoken language.