Korean Job Discussion Forums

[hfrancis]

I'm starting a small class of low-level adult students. I did a search on this site and already found a couple of suggestions but most of the topics involving adults seemed to be regarding more advanced level students. I decided to use the Intro book from the "Interchange" series, but other than this, does anyone have any advice or suggestions to make the 1 hour class a little more interesting? I haven't met them yet but apparently one of them knows a little English which is really necessary for the class as I don't speak any Hangeul to help translate important information. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

[maingman]

Compelling CONversations

I will attempt to find the author, soon

thanks!

[mzeno]

I'd start with introductions. Introduce yourself and see if they can do it as well. If they can't, then you have your lesson right there. Get all students to attempt it, gently. Emphasize correct pronunciation, if they are open to it. Adults are more quickly offended than kids. Tell them about yourself, where you come from, how long you've been here,etc. Ask them about themselves, where they come from, etc. When/if age comes up, introduce numbers. Point to your watch and discuss time. Days of the week. Months of the year. Try to use the board as much as possible, writing out clearly the key words/concepts/phrases you are using. See if they know about any English sports/politics/news/events. Explain. Discuss. Be friendly. Supportive. Encouraging. If all else fails, try teaching them a simple song, poem or a common phrase. And of course, there's always the alphabet.

[maingman]

Compelling Conversations: Questions and Quotations on Timeless Topics- An Engaging ESL Textbook for Advanced Students
Eric H. Roth and Toni Aberson

[some waygug-in]

Whatever book/books you use, don't be afraid to try new and different things. Don't stick to the book too much or your students will get really bored and start to complain.

You could also try "Jazz English".


or stuff from this site: http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/

Good luck.

[glasshalffull]

thanks for the breaking news website...very helpful!

another thing i might suggest is making a work sheet using the lyrics of a song and take out some words and leave blank spots. play the song and have them fill in the blanks. it's good to use slower songs [leaving on a jet plane is a good start. simple words, easy to understand]. i would also suggest james taylor, carole king, and other folksie singers.

this can also be done with tv shows. i haven't actually tried it with tv shows, but i would avoid anything that would be offensive [will and grace, nip/tuck, sex and the city, and other sexually open shows might be too racy.] seinfeld and friends are easily obtained and pretty neutral.

good luck!

[hfrancis]

Many thanks to those who responded.

[jcmarsha]

http://www.headsupenglish.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=category&sectionid=6&id=22&Itemid=62

Heads Up English is a great resource for short articles and a plethora of follw-up discussion material.

[withnail]

The best book is New English File Elementary. Get the teacher's book which has a host of cut-up communicative activities too.

Get the Resource Packs for the whole Inside Out range - again for the cut up and keep comm. activities.

I do recommend small segments from Friends too...
Also the little picture stories from the Can you believe it? range of books.