Job Discussion Forums

[the_otter]

I'm seeking advice. I've already searched the forum and found a lot of helpful tips, but I hope that a fresh topic will let me squeeze out a few more.

This is my first year teaching - in China or anywhere else. I've got two classes of third year university students, with about thirty-five people in each class. I like my students. They're English Majors, helpful, well-behaved and I don't want to let them down.

So far I've had them doing a lot of group work - role-plays and presentations mostly. They've had a lot of fluency practice, but I've not done much work on their accuracy, largely because I'm not sure how. There's a wide range of ability in the classes: some students have near-native fluency, others struggle to comprehend simple instructions.

I want to add more 'meat' to the lessons - to let the students walk away from every lesson feeling they've learnt something solid, like new words or collocations - but I'm don't know how to incorporate it.

ETA: Also, if anyone has any advice about teaching English Writing to first years, please share it.

[creztor]

the_otter, never taught at university but here is what I would do. While they are doing their group discussions or presentations, walk around and listen to what they are saying. Depending on the topic, you will probably hear phrases/mistakes that are common to most groups/students. Write these down and then at the end you can reflect on those areas by focusing on the correct form etc (don't single anyone out, just bring it up, ask if anyone knows the correct form and then write it on the board etc). The other thing I would do is if you know that students are weak in a specific area, say past tense as an example, then I would set a topic where they have to discuss in the past tense. About writing, I strongly suggest getting a book on how to teach writing. I am sure people here could share their own experience, but a book that explains how to teach writing will be much more useful.

[the_otter]

Thanks, creztor. Your ideas about noting the students weak areas sound very good. I'll give them a try.

The university actually provided me with a writing textbook, but it's dreadful. Does anyone have any recommendations for books about how to teach writing?

[randyj]

Otter, it sounds like you have already achieved a lot of success in your oral English classes. Third-year English majors can be a tough crowd.

I can recommend a writing textbook that has worked for me teaching practical writing to university seniors this semester. The book is titled �英语交际实用写作�。They translate this as "Reaching People Through Communication", by Zhang Shiyun （张世耘）, Shanghai Foreign Language Education Press (2004), ISBN 7-81080-907-5. It costs 22�. The book concentrates on different writing purposes, like apologizing, giving instructions, accepting and refusing, etc. Each chapter contains a good writing practice and plenty of examples of letters. There are also lots of suggestions for journal writing.

I hope this helps.

[Trifaro]

I'm not quite sure that a book written/copied by a Chinese "author" is the right way to go about writing in English.

Check out Jeremy Harmer on Amazon.

[the_otter]

Thank you both for your suggestions. Because I'm in China, Zhang Shiyun's book will be easier/cheaper to get hold of, but I'll look out for Jeremy Harmer too.

[creztor]

Teaching ESL Composition. Purpose, Process, and Practice. That book may be one to consider as well.

[the_otter]

Thank you - I've just googled it, looks interesting.

[igorG]

"Oral English" is a very popular term in some Asian countries, and especially on mainland China. I guess we, FTs, have filled it in pretty much to have the students practice what they have already learnt. I have always liked teaching and practising what has been learnt almost simultaneously, but forgive my rant. I luckily managed to convince my uni to do both in one subject. My own material, with the help of internet, has provided me with just about everything. Practising listening skills is usually a bit of pain, however.

[sainthood]

I use tongue-twisters mostly, and then go through idioms and the like. 2nd language learners always want to know how to sound good, and it's through idioms that they do so the most. So, I go for them (they find them, bring them to class, explain them), and then I can focus on what was said - not only the right meaning, but also better pronunciation.

I haven't done third-years, but my second-year's were ok with it all.

Also, songs!!! Many want to learn or sing songs. Granted, not good for 'good' pronunciation, but you could address that in class as well... ("I want nobody, nobody bah choo...").

[Trifaro]

I just re-read this topic and still believe that a textbook which focuses on writing, "written" by a Chinese person is not the way to go.

As for an "Oral English" class, my goal is to end each class on a high/fun note. The kids may be bored at the beginning, but if the class ends with the kids laughing and having fun then that is what will get back to your/my superiors.

My basic routine is to introduce a topic (such as Restaurants), elicit known vocabulary from the students, introduce relevant words, have the students simply read a dialogue pertaining to the topic, then work in groups and create/present their own.

I usually try to get a few class "hams" (usually boys) to perform their dialogue last = creates laughs = the class ends on a high note.

Good Luck!

[igorG]

Entertaining is probably what those kids, or shall I say young adults, expect, but if you fail to amuse them one day or if they compare you to another more entertaining FT, you may end up in a hot seat. This is one of the reasons, why I prefer more academic approach.

[Trifaro]

In the end, I think it all depends on the level of the students. If their level is low = more edutaining. If you have English majors, then a more academic approach is best.

I "specialize" in the less desirable students. You could call me an "Oral English Mercenary"! Everyone has their role.

I doubt anyone could be more entertaining than me! I aim to teach them a few new words to hopefully help them pass the CET 4 and be done with their English classes for life.

We all have our calling. I believe a lot of folk can't do what I do in class. I'm sure that I couldn't explain the difference between a future progressive and a past participle.

I am an "Oral English Facilitator".

Quite frankly, it isn't that difficult to get the kids attention - simply walk around and speak loudly.

Why any "Oral English Teacher" would sit up front behind a desk, speak into a mic and point at a ppt, is beyond the realm of my imagination.

[sharpe88]

^ trifaro admire your confidence but i'm sure a lot of us could do better than you because you sound like you're winging it without any legitimate training.

[Trifaro]

6 years in China and counting.

You're welcome to observe and learn.

I guess my BS and advanced education has helped me "chill the crowd".

Slick tongues are rare.

May I be so bold as to ask - how could anyone be trained to facilitate conversations? Remember - my job is to get them talking, not "teach" grammar.

I think a lot of folk on this board who are "Oral English" teachers forget that because they wish they had reached a higher plateau in life.

Face it - you weren't hired to "teach" grammar and approach the class with an academic style. The Chinese staff do that in order for the kids to pass the requisite exams. The superiors simply want "us" to .....

Leap that hurdle and then you will be free! (Basically - get over your high horse, self-important attitude and give the people what they want.)

Of course, some people/schools just want a foreign face. Since they couldn't get the best, they might have settled for less?

Precious call - "training". I think some computer nerds type - ROFL =

Rolling on the floor laughing now!