Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Ya-ta Boy]

I'm having a knock-down, drag out argument with a co-worker.

His says that we always talk in one or two word answers. That is 'real' English. Therefore, he accepts one or two word answers in class. (I point out that he just made a complete sentence, but he ignores that.)

My contention is that we only do that when we answer a question.

I strongly believe that we native speakers answer in one or two words because we can understand the context, and if required, deliver a full and complete sentence. He denies this. He really seems to think that sentence fragments are acceptable.

Because of our disagreement, I tend to over-emphasize complete sentences with our students because I am not getting any support at all.
from my co-worker. He tells the students that I teach 'articifial' English.

Last year, with a different co-worker, I think the students made much more progress in their English. Possibly I am biased. But I think the difference is because both of us demanded that the students follow up their one or two word answer with a complete sentence.

How do you guys feel about this? Do you demand students develop the ability to make complete sentences? Am I just a babo?

[prairieboy]

I'm with you. I always make my students at least attempt to produce a sentence, even if it's not grammatically correct. I hate one word answers from my students.

If I give a written assignment, then the answers must be full sentences (or at least attempt to form some type of sentence).

Normal conversation is not composed of one word answers. A one word answer tells me that the student understands or partially understands the question. But if a student can't form a sentence then how will they be able to communicate effectively?

I always try to help my students out and explain as well as I can for the level how to make a sentence. I emphasize that it doesn't have to be long to be good, but a short sentence of a few words is great. It's a foundation to build on as their skills improve.

As for your co-worker, let him teach English the way he wants and let time show who the better teacher actually is. You'll win out.

Cheers

[the_beaver]

Native speaker English spoken English is full of fragments, grunts, one-word answers, run-on sentences and all manner of mistakes.

However, students are not native speakers and there are times (depending on the teacher and the student as to how much time) when students should be required to give out full sentences and other times when they shouldn't.

[katydid]

Well, this is difficult, cause he has a point. If someone asks you "Do you have a car?" you usually say just "yes," or for "How old are you?" someone would just say "twenty-three" and those are fine, but teaching them the whole sentences, "Yes, I do," and "I am 23 years old" I think needs to be stressed, as you should teach them the proper sentence structure, cause it'll be useful for them to put two and two together: A question starting with "Are..." is answered this way, and a question starting with "Do..." is answered that way.

[Miles]

Ya-ta Boy, - no, you are not just a babo. I think your convictions about the use of complete sentences are entirely appropriate.

It is regrettable that your co-worker's questionable approach and lack of understanding are undermining your efforts. However, stick to your present goals and methods in the confidence that both you and your students will benefit in the end

[the saint]

Give in. Admit they're right. Then ask them if they could allow you to observe a role play or other communicative activity where the students communicate in one word bursts of "English".

Point: answers might be fine at one-word level (though often rude which is another point) but you aren't going to get far with one word questions.

[Son Deureo!]

[simulated stereo]

Yeah.

[Juggertha]

your co-worker sounds like a bugger if he's undercutting you.

honestly, we do answer in half baked ways sometimes.. but we do it with the full knowledge of the conversation and its intent. A young learner doesnt have that luxury.

As well I teach my student thats the answer often lies in the question. such as .."What's your name?"-----"My name is _____-" if they fold the question back they will get a complete answer. Anything less occasionally misses the point.

[gypsyfish]

Here's a conversation.

A. Cigarette?

B. Thanks. Match?

A. Here.

B. Thanks.

A. Drink?

B. Beer.

A. Cheers.

B. Cheers.

A. Teacher?

B. Yeah. You?

A. Yeah.

B. Hagwon?

A. University!

B. Cool.

A. Lonely?

B. Maybe ...

A. Horny?

B. Uh, huh.

A. Sex?

B. Boyfriend.

A. Serious?

B. Maybe ...

A. C'mon.

B. 'Kay

If it were only that easy. We do use a lot of one word statements and I agree that our students need to understand the big picture before they can achieve optimal fluency. That's why I try to get them to use complete sentences. That said, I do point out that native speakers don't always do that. Something like the above might be a nice warm up for pairs of students. Have them figure out the context, or what the speackers are talking about. Or maybe the location. Then have them try to read it with the proper emphasis.

Again, students, especially beginners, need to practice with complete sentences, but something like this is a fun exercise. And no, I wouldn't use this specific dialog - even with my university students.

[Tiger Beer]

I make them answer in complete sentences. I also create questions in full sentences as well.

Interestingly though, the co-worker does have an interesting point. When I first came to Korea, I remember how difficult it was to speak in complete sentences on a regular basis and how draining it was as well.

The problem with having your students speak in just a couple of words is they aren't fluent enough to pull it off. My students unintentionally do this already, and it annoys me because I have no idea what they are talking about or trying to say. Plus when I do various drills or vocal tests and such, I want them to respond appropriately. One-word answers I just don't know if they are getting the point or really practicing what I've just finished teaching.

[TECO]

OP:

You are each right.

We use both.

[matthewwoodford]

I'm going to mudge and fudge and say you're both right but it depends on the class level. Intermediate to advanced students who understand the context should be encouraged to use 'natural' English, including one word answers where appropriate. Lower levels, who cannot be expected to use 'natural' English in any case, need practice giving longer answers, so I always ask them to answer in sentences or at least longer-than-one-word answers.

It's uphill work though. Lots of practice chanting the right responses to various questions, games where different students carry cards with 'Yes I did', 'No they don't', etc work well for as long as they last but are so easily forgotten when one moves on to another lesson. I guess one could make this a disciplinary matter so take names of students who 'break the rules' by giving one word answers...Suggestions anyone?

Matt

[jajdude]

They are learning English. Using full sentences is a good thing to help them learn. Native speakers already know the language very well. No need for full sentences between each other. But they are not native speakers! Learning any foreign language, isn't it good to know how to make a full sentence, understand the meaning and grammar involved? Tell your co-worker this. He is wrong. Carry on trying to elicit full sentences in speaking and writing.

[bjonothan]

My main pet peeve is when they say "me too". I actually punish them for saying it. We have to give the kids marks at the end of every class so I push them to make full sentences if they have a high enough ability to. There is no excuse in my books. I think it is just plain laziness.