Castor, Louisiana TESOL Online & Teaching English Jobs

Teaching speech has two important elements: accuracy and fluency. Both are equally important. Accuracy is better suited for the Study phase where the focus is on making sure of the correct pronunciation, usage, and grammar (speech-wise). This is usually done with more teacher-centered activities such as drilling or guided role-play. Fluency is better suited for the Activate phase. This focuses on the creative use of the structures learned and used. Student-centered activities such as debate or simulations are better at allowing the students to explore the usage in a creative manner. Writing is also very important. Not only are elements such as spelling and grammar need to be focused on in a much finer detail, teachers also should encourage penmanship to give clear writing. The English language writing system has a lot more detail than speaking. There are word sounding similar but spelled differently, or vice-versa. However, often one way or the other will indicate completely different meaning. In writing, unlike speaking, the meaning cannot be cleared or explained on the spot. Not to meaning, there are different formats to writing different things such as headings for letters or for an essay. Writing can be taught using creative writing exercises. This can help to get the student used to writing in a motivating manner. Story building exercises are also good ways to build writing skills. It is important to keep the students motivated and willing to learn the course material, which means error correction needs to be done in a gentler manner (not wrong but can be better). The topics should also be stimulating. And introduction of games in the classroom is a very important element to both stimulate the students thinking and their interactions.