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Nauczyciel · Posted: Fri Dec 24, 2004 11:38 am Post subject: Oral English vs Conversation - ?

It may seem stupid, but I do have this dilemma - what's the difference between Oral English and Conversational English? Confused

Besides, an interviewer asked me just the other day: "What is your own special way of dealing with students who are shy and refuse to participate in the lesson?" I really was in a tight corner answering this question... Embarassed

some waygug-in · Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 339

I'll probably get flamed for this but here goes:

Your question is confusing, do you mean the difference between "aural" English and conversation? In which case I think it means the difference between listening comprehension and speaking ability.

If you do mean "oral" English, then I have no idea.

As for the shy students, I try to gently coax them out of their shell with games and other fun activities. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. You have to show them that there is no danger and that they can feel free to say anything without fear of being chastised for mistakes.

There are no magic solutions though. Each student has to make up his or her own mind about when they feel comfortable enough to start talking.

juststeven · Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 117

some waygug-in,
You won't get flamed by me! Your advise is 'spot-on' (as my British friends say). Very Happy

Nauzyciel, you seem like a very caring professional, doing your best to help educate young minds about our confussing language. Having said that, I find the ESL/EFL world full of 'teachers' that don't have degrees in education and have taken a 'course' that qualifies them to teach at any level. The questions you have are important but, you would already know the answers if you had even a BA in education. Not to worry my friend, you will learn all you need to know with some research and experience.
Best wishes and Merry Christmas. Very Happy

Roger · Joined: 19 Jan 2003 Posts: 9138

The Chinese translate kouyu variously as "oral English" or as "spoken English"; some of us rephrase it as "conversation class". I don't think we can hold the latter with any significant number of classes or students because their intellectual background is utterly unsuited.
The Chinese are labouring under the illusion that you can remote-control up to 60 CHinese English speakers simultaneously. They haven't a clue as to what's wrong with having the whole class chorus after you. That is what CHinese expect you to do - have them speak after you! This is a safe way to ensure that so-called "shy" students never learn to talk on their own as individuals.

There is another thread about "Restless students...", which might contain a few pointers for you!

ChinaMovieMagic · Joined: 02 Nov 2004 Posts: 2102 Location: YangShuo

Roger's Right!
Mass education China-style generally remains in the Stimulus/Response Behavioralism approach, when TPR research shows that Fluency is developed by only 4% of students trained with Behavioristic pattern-based approaches.

Regarding shyness...quick-and-easy suggestions:
*put the class into small clusters of 6 students (or so...), facing each other as pairs, in 2 lines
*have them do Role Plays (movie-based if access to Video is possible)
*check out Promoting Change in China's Classrooms, in the China-Job section

Cardinal Synn · Joined: 01 Nov 2004 Posts: 586

If my girlfriend offered me the choice of oral or conversation, I know which I'd choose! She's a great talker.

Nauczyciel · Posted: Mon Dec 27, 2004 10:58 am Post subject:

It looks like I didn't make myself clear enough. Chinese schools seem like they do see the difference in what they call "Oral English" and "Conversational English". The two are regarded different subjects in many advertisements. I just wonder whether the difference makes the difference for teachers Wink

. Maybe it's that OE is when you teach students how to pronounce words properly and CE when you teach them how to respond in particular situtions? Any clues? (Maybe I should have posted it on China forum)

As to "my own special way", it's not like I'm completely lost teaching my students, I just meant that this kind of question is confusing and serves no useful purpose. I just try to do my best, not wondering whether this is anybody's special way or something. Nevertheless, thanks for the hints.

Nauczyciel · Posted: Tue Dec 28, 2004 4:42 pm Post subject:

juststeven · Joined: 18 Aug 2004 Posts: 117

Nauzyciel,
Ouch! I'm sorry if I offended you in any way. I 'hold' an M.ED. and several certs. I've taught for over 20 years in many places. My advice was only meant to help. Very Happy

After reviewing my post to you, I see that I came across a bit condescending. I will choose my words more carefully in the future. Forgive me? Wink