Korean Job Discussion Forums

[dhl262]

Are there are any creative methods for teaching TOEFL speaking?
I usually have the kids record their answers on a tape recorder and play it in class and give feedback. I was wondering if anyone used any other methods that were more interactive and fun. Any suggestions?

[ajuma]

I went in and talked to the TOEFL speaking teacher and I found that a lot of the stuff is pretty much every day language.

One part of it is "describe the picture". I don't know the age of your students, but find some funny pictures that they would enjoy. (TOEFL pics are pretty boring!)

Have them describe the pic, especially focusing on prepositions and vocab that they might not know.

There's also a "Call about a problem" section. Have you students come up with some problems they might have (cell phone/computer not working...whatever) and have them make the call. One is the "service rep" and the other is the customer. You might want to have one go out in the hall or in another room so it's more "real life".

Pronunciation is SUPER important!! DON'T let your students say "olange jushu" for "orange juice". Focus on syllables to help them understand the correct way of speaking. "Evil" and "island" can be problems, as their teachers might have taught "Ev il" (rhymes with "devil") and/or Izland/Iceland.

Good luck!

[robot]

Ajuma is not describing the TOEFL; the information she received is absolutely wrong.

OP, your thread title doesn't match your question. Do you want advice for the speaking section, or the listening one?

[dhl262]

I need advice for the speaking. What I meant was that I play the speaking responses of the student on the tape recorder and give feedback.

[ajuma]

robot Sorry...guess the Korean teacher was wrong!!

[Ed Provencher]

Some of my students record their own voices, others don't. If they are the type to forget what they just said, then it's useful to use a recorder and replay the response while giving feedback.