Job Discussion Forums

sasha · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 6

Hi everyone,

I've just read a very interesting book that I think would be of interest to many EFL/ESL teachers out there. Before I describe it, I'll set the scene by describing my own situation. I am a 26 year old Australian. I have a BA (Linguistics) and a CELTA. I am currently studying for a MA in Applied Linguistics. I have taught since 1999, mostly in Australia, but also a little in South America. I take my job seriously and intend to move up the career ladder to the DOS level.

I come from a family that is heavily involved in this industry so i have been fortunate to have access to a wealth of resouces both before, during and after my pre-service training (CELTA).

I found my CELTA to be a very rewarding and challenging experience. It gave me the tools to enter the classroom and not make a complete fool of myself (as well as facilitate some learning!).

However, as I began teaching, and was able to read more widely and speak to a variety of very experienced teachers, I soon discovered that there were a lot more teaching techniques that could be used in the classroom.

I would recommend that any teachers who have completed a CELTA (or similar course) and would like to expand their range of teaching techniques have a look at a book called "Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching" by Diane Larsen-Freeman. It has got 12 easy to read chapters that describe a variety of teaching styles. It really opened my eyes and helped me to realise that the PPP style is not the only way to teach. The more methods that we as teachers are able to utilise, the better we can serve our students.

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

lagerlout2006 · Joined: 17 Sep 2003 Posts: 985

Sorry I have not done a CELTA as yet but what is PPP??? Something about practice. Thanks for the book suggestion I will check my contact who orders books onliune.

dreadnought · Joined: 10 Oct 2003 Posts: 82 Location: Sofia, Bulgaria

A couple of other books that people may find useful and don't necessarily straitjacket teachers into the PPP framework are:

"Planning Lessons and Courses" by Tessa Woodward
"How to teach Grammar" by Scott Thornbury

Both are very practical and accessible. The first one especially is a model of common sense and takes a much broader view of lesson planning than is normally found on preservice teacher training courses.

dreadnought · Joined: 10 Oct 2003 Posts: 82 Location: Sofia, Bulgaria

Dr.J · Joined: 09 May 2003 Posts: 304 Location: usually Japan

What's so bad about PPP anyway? Isn't it how people acquire language anyway (hear it, then try it, then use it)?

And the OP seems like s/he has some financial interest in the aforementioned book..."12 easy to read chapters..." do I get a free clock?

struelle · Joined: 16 May 2003 Posts: 2372 Location: Shanghai

sasha · Joined: 06 Mar 2003 Posts: 6

nice to see some people responding and suggesting other useful books. just wanted to add that I have absolutely no connection with the author of that book. I just found it very interesting. As a matter of fact, my mother is a writer in this field, I have not suggested any of her books as I wouldn't want there to be the suggestion of a conflict of interest.

M@tt · Joined: 16 Jan 2003 Posts: 473 Location: here and there

i'd like to second the recommendation of tessa woodward's book. i'm rereading it now, and it is full of good ideas. also serves as a good framework for thinking more analytically about the variety of things that can go into a course/class.

lagger · Joined: 08 Apr 2003 Posts: 40 Location: Australia

Teaching Styles? Hmmm Today I took my elementary students for a beer (during school hours). It was an excellent ice-breaker!

Hi Sasha,

I am of similar age/educational background and work experience. I will check out the book.

There is a great series of books with plenty of activities to jazz up lessons. Most of the ideas require little or no materials which is crucial when working with limited resources. Also, they lower one's workload and put the responsibility of learning on the students.

The only two I have used are "The Minimax teacher" and "Creating Conversation in Class". Even if I don't always use the activities, they gave me a lot of ideas and have influenced my teaching style.

http://www.deltapublishing.co.uk/html/books/g.html

They're a bit on the pricey side (at least in Australia where they are about $AUD55). I'm trying to convince my DOS to buy some.

THE RESOURCEFUL ENGLISH TEACHER - over 200 activities to fully exploit a wide range of classroom resources

SAFETY AND CHALLENGE for Japanese learners of English - an essential read for any teacher of English to Japanese students

CREATING CONVERSATION IN CLASS - activities designed to get full student participation in classroom conversation

THE MINIMAX TEACHER - over 80 activities with an approach that helps teachers both reduce their workload and do a better job

HUMANISING YOUR COURSEBOOK - activities to bring your classroom to life - and life to your classroom!

USING THE MOTHER TONGUE - ways of using the mother tongue not just for convenience but as a real, living and vital resource for our learners.

TALKING BUSINESS IN CLASS - speaking activites for professional students