Today, we want to dive into one of our absolute favourite topics when it comes to teaching English: speaking skills. It’s where the magic happens, isn’t it? I’m sure you’ll agree that seeing your students confidently express themselves in English is one of the most rewarding parts of our job. If you are lucky to teach small groups you will definitely agree on what a game-changer in can be. When students feel comfortable and supported in a smaller setting, they’re more likely to participate actively and take risks with their language. It’s amazing to see how much they can improve when they’re not held back by shyness or self-consciousness.
Hare are some interesting concepts to develop speaking skills:
–Negotiation of meaning:
What is it?
It’s a dynamic process where learners actively seek clarification and undertanding during communication. Imagine you want to introduce some new vocabulary or some new word appears in the development in the classroom, do you always want to just translate into their native language? In fact it is more likely for them to remember later the new words if they are explained in the foreign language.
How to use this technique?
The speaker paraphrases, gives synonyms or uses extralinguistic techinques (such as gestures and facial expressions) to convey the meaning of new words. Let’s say I introduce the word ‘blossom’ to my students during a lesson on springtime. Instead of simply giving them the definition, I engage them in negotiation of meaning. I might ask, ‘What do you think ‘blossom’ means?’ If they’re unsure, I could say, ‘You know when trees have those pretty flowers in the spring? That’s called blossoming.’ By using familiar contexts and simpler language, I help my students understand the new word through negotiation of meaning. Or I can explain the meaning of the word»hungry» by rubbing my stomach and saying «I want to eat some food, I’m hungry».
Teaching speaking in an EFL classroom involves a variety of strategies and resources aimed at encouraging students to communicate confidently and fluently in English. One effective approach is to create a supportive and engaging learning environment where students feel comfortable expressing themselves without fear of making mistakes. This can be achieved through activities such as group discussions, role-plays, debates, and collaborative tasks.
Why is speaking important for EFL learners? Speaking is a crucial skill for EFL learners as it allows them to interact with others in real-life situations, both inside and outside the classroom. Being able to communicate orally in English opens up countless opportunities for EFL learners, whether it’s traveling, studying abroad, or participating in international business or academic settings. Moreover, speaking proficiency is often a key requirement for language exams and assessments.
In the EFL context, speaking refers to the ability to produce spoken language fluently and accurately, using appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation. It encompasses various aspects such as conversation, pronunciation, intonation, and oral presentations. Effective speaking skills involve not only the ability to convey information and ideas clearly but also to understand and respond appropriately to others in conversation.
Despite its importance, EFL students often face common challenges in speaking. One of the most common problems is a lack of confidence, particularly among students who are hesitant to speak in front of others or fear making mistakes. This can be exacerbated by factors such as limited vocabulary, grammar knowledge, or pronunciation difficulties. Additionally, students may struggle with fluency and coherence, finding it challenging to express themselves smoothly and logically in English conversation. Overcoming these challenges requires targeted instruction, ample opportunities for practice, and a supportive learning environment that encourages risk-taking and experimentation with language.
In our experience as educators, we’ve found that incorporating role plays and interactive games like Collaborative Crosswords can be incredibly effective in enhancing speaking skills, especially for primary students. Presenting topics that are genuinely interesting and relevant to students’ lives can also greatly motivate them to engage in conversation. For teenagers and adults, incorporating engaging games and activities tailored to their interests and language proficiency levels can make speaking practice both enjoyable and effective. By incorporating these strategies into our teaching approach, we’ve witnessed significant improvements in our students’ confidence and proficiency in spoken English.
Click here to visit our TPT store and get these resource that have really worked for us to enhance our students’ speaking skills:
TEENS AND ADULTS
PRIMARY
PRIMARY