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Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

I'm looking for a text book suitable for use with senior high schoolers.

Some background:
I've a group of middle schoolers whome I've been teaching for some years now. So far, we've been using 'Junior New Concept', currently on book 3A. Their English level is comparable to high school grade 2.

These students have begun complaining that the book is too easy. I agree to an extent. The grammar and vocab they are learning is suitable but there are not enough brain challenging activities to be done. They are getting into the mindset that they know everything but when it comes time to use it they are lost.

I need a book that gradually introduces new concepts and gives them many many examples/activities. My classes are very grammar oriented. They also do a lot of translating. The ideal book would be something that allows them to translate a passage into L2, after I have modeled key points, then questions and answers on the text. These questions would preferably be reading between the lines.

Most books I come across are just plain stupid. For example they almost always begin with simple present tense use of 'to be' and "where do you come from?" Then the reading activities go something like this: "I have never been to London" with a question like "Has William ever been to London?" (taken from book 3A). It's just too easy, yet being introduced to simple perfect tense is what they need. They also need to learn more adverbs and prepositions to really get ahead.

I'm of the impression that most books on the Chinese market are just somebody who couldn't make it a teacher's way of making a quick buck (pun intended).

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

I dont know much about your teaching context, but cant you supplement the book you already have with lots of genuine practice and communication orientated tasks? The problem with students 'knowing' the target language is a common one ... using the basic PPP model, they have the 'presentation', and the book gives limited 'practice', but they aren't given the chance to 'produce'. The language production part should be the largest part of the lesson really.

I use the Face2Face series of books ... I like them but not sure Id recommend them as I dont think they are always suitable for teens. Again, the practice is limited, but the scope for language production (where it could be argued real learning takes place) is down to me really.

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

Denim-Maniac · Joined: 31 Jan 2012 Posts: 1238

Voldermort · Joined: 14 Apr 2004 Posts: 597

Non Sequitur · Joined: 23 May 2010 Posts: 4724 Location: China

You will get more buy in from the students if you have them do cocktail party or similar activities ie Perpetual Questions from time to time.
All the students must ask and answer questions and there is virtually no TTT.
You need an open space as it can't be done in the static Chinese classroom.
This type of activity totally differentiates you from their Chinese teachers.
They would never dispute teaching style with their Chinese teachers!