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• PPP: a small addition

  September 25, 2008 in methodology

  Sometimes the presentation phase of a lesson can take up most of a lesson. What percentage of an overall lesson do you spend in presenting particular language point and what percentage do the learners get to actually use the language? Half of the lesson, or just five percent of the lesson time?
  Do the learners [...]

• What is communicative language teaching?

  September 25, 2008 in methodology

  Communicative language teaching (CLT) is a label that is often used to describe courses and it seems to be a label that has become so over-used and easily used that it has perhaps begun to lose its meaning. When asked in a recent seminar what the characteristics of community language were, there did seem to [...]

• Ideas for creative workbook use

  September 23, 2008 in Activities

  Introduction: Setting the Scene
  I know that I am generalising, but so often workbooks are relegated to the ‘also ran’ or ‘lemon’ status of materials. Lacking vivid magazine-like colour and language (read grammar) input, workbook exercises are often given as a homework after thought…
  To continue the generalisation, this homework is often diligently completed by the learners [...]

• Activity: Planning a holiday

  September 22, 2008 in Activities

  Here is a very simple activity that is very useful to have in your toolbox as a no materials activity.
  Aims: Fluency in speaking, listening and group negotiation. Giving advise and suggestions.
  Skills: Speaking and listening.
  Materials: A board and board pen.
  Level: Elementary and above.
  Preparation time: None, save a little time thinking…
  Procedure

  Introduce the activity to the [...]

• Activity: Why are these things important to me?

  September 22, 2008 in Activities

  Here is a very simple activity that is very useful to have in your toolbox as a no materials activity.
  Aims: Question forms and demonstrative pronouns. Giving personal information/getting to know you.
  Skills: Speaking and listening
  Materials: A board and board pen.
  Level: All but the most early beginners.
  Preparation time: None save a little time thinking…
  Procedure
  1. Write [...]