Promoting the Development of Speaking Skills
CONTENTS
This module is divided into the following sections:
6.1 The objectives of oral work
6.1.1 Who teaches speaking?
6.1.2 What does teaching speaking mean?6.1.2.1 Speaking means integration
6.1.2.2 Speaking means conversation
6.1.2.3 Speaking means natural output6.1.3 How SLA research informs the teaching of oral skills
6.1.4 How does an oral class differ from any skills class?
6.2 Learner perceptions and learner strategies
6.2.1 Reasons underlying poor motivation
6.2.2 Students' views
6.2.3 What tutors can do to help6.2.3.1 Reduce communicative stress
6.2.3.2 Don't fear silence
6.2.3.3 Create realistic goals
6.2.3.4 Correct errors sensitively
6.2.3.5 Communication strategies
6.3 Classroom techniques for developing speaking skills
6.3.1 What is appropriate for different levels
6.3.2 Working from a video stimulus6.3.3 Working from an audio stimulus
6.3.4 Working from a written stimulus
6.3.5 Working from a picture stimulus
6.3.6 Mixed-level groups
6.4.1 Should pronunciation be taught?
6.4.2 What does teaching pronunciation involve?
6.4.3 Pronunciation activities
6.4.4 Ways to encourage pronunciation practice
6.5 Encouraging the development of oral skills outside the classroom
6.5.1 Students' views on practising speaking skills
6.5.2 Creating opportunities to meet native speakers
6.5.3 'Talking to myself'
6.5.4 Stand-alone multimedia resources
6.6.1 What should be assessed?
6.6.2 Alternative forms of assessment
6.6.3 Having realistic expectations
6.6.4 Ensuring progression6.6.4.1 Assessing the difficulty of a task
6.6.4.2 Measuring linguistic progression
Appendix 1 How to reduce communicative stress
Appendix 2 Guidelines for videoed group presentation
Appendix 3 Institute of Linguists' oral proficiency criteria
Appendix 4a Sample mark sheet for an oral examination
Appendix 4b Sample mark sheet for an oral presentation
Appendix 4c Sample mark sheet for group oral presentation
6.11 Recommended further reading
Printable versions of the entire module are available in the following formats:
- Word 97 version (click here)
- RTF version (click here)
