Korean Job Discussion Forums

[widespread123]

For some reason or another, I have ended up teaching TOEFL for almost three years now. I know the test inside and out, have figured out tricks and good practice methods. I have had numerous students get above an 80 (something that I am very proud of).

However, I am preparing for my classes starting in August (I teach in Denver, Colorado) and I have found myself in a rut. Last year, I had some students who were not planning on taking the TOEFL test but instead were at a high enough level to be challenged with TOEFL passages, speaking on the spot, writing essay, etc.

Previously, everything has been from the book. Take a passage, dissect it, work on tricks to the questions. Now, this has worked fine especially for the actually TOEFL takers but over time bores everyone. Obviously, it's a TOEFL class and need to cater to the test takers but the non-test takers are good students and deserve better than straight TOEFL monotony.

So, the point I am making is, how do I incorporate some supplemental activities to coincide with the TOEFL test? I am nervous that doing a game or activity, while fun, may not be appropriate for the TOEFL test. I worry that it may be a distraction from the main area of focus.

P.S. There is no way to switch non-test taking students to a new class.

[LexusNexus]

I have thought about and asked many times: "what activities can I incorporate into TOEFL classes to make them more interesting or exciting?"

The only responses I've gottena and ideas I've had are for the lower level students/classes.

And it does NOT help them as much as just doing the material, IMO.

Most Ss wanted to go back to the basic TOEFL material quickly after doing an activity.

In sum, I just stick with the material. No, TOEFL isn't exciting for most students, but if they want to get an 80 or 100+ then they just have to trudge through it and do it.

Good luck and keep us posted.

[bigtexas]

I have taught toefl and sent about 5 students to universities overseas (taught myself). I also taught it at the university level for two years where we sent over 50 plus kids to American partner schools. Once you know the strategies and how the test is run, students need to practice them relentlessly so as to maximize their time during the actual test. The only way to play a game, from my experience, is to do this....

1.put a practice toefl test (from one section) on the projector and divide the class into goups.

2. as a group they should work together, using the strategies you have taught them to finish the selection as fast as they possibly can. The team with the highest amount of right answers within the fastest time alotted will win something. The winning team will also have to explain how they got the answers correct in such a speedy fashion. This allows them to be able to discuss the best strategy to use during the game.

3. You dont want to play this with toefl speaking or writing......just with the reading and listening sections. The reading and listening sections are the backbone of the test and if they maximize these skills, speaking and writing will follow suit.

but like the previous poster said, dont play games a lot. This one might work for you (it did for me). But toefl is a test that takes time, and requires students to be prepared, dedicated, and responsible.

[ttompatz]

Turn the practice tests into a contest - think game show.

Flash and ppt work well if you have the means to use them.

Give the answer and students reply with the question (jeopardy style)
Use categories and levels (are you smarter than a 5th grader).
Use challenge questions and teams (reach for the top).

.

[ddeubel]

I'd try Quizlet. You can print out the flashcards and there are hundreds of different TOEFL sets. Bonus is that students can study them on their own evenings/out of class. http://quizlet.com

Just search TOEFL and if you want sets with pictures, select that in the search. Or select TOEFL under standardized test. Even better if you get THEM making sets and presenting them/sharing.... the sets can be used to present with a projector.

EFL Classroom also has hundreds of sets we've made at http://quizlet.com/group/59393/

DD
http://eflclassroom.com