My principles about teaching speaking online


I believe in treating all students with respect.
I believe in making learning meaningful to my students. This means adapting the curriculum to their current social situations as well as religious and cultural backgrounds.
Focus on communication and fluency, not correctness, rarely even in our native languages do we concern ourselves if the conversation is proceeding “correctly”; the point is if our meaning is coming through. This is what should be emphasized to students: it’s not a matter of “right” but whether or not your classmates understand you and can respond to you!
Small group/pair work
Conversation occurs in small, not large groups. Having students work in small groups or pairs is usually more productive for a number of reasons: students are less self-conscious if they are “performing” in front of a small group rather than large, and they have more chance to speak in a smaller group.
Teach vocabulary

It seems elementary, but it is often forgotten that students may not be participating because they simply don’t have the vocabulary to enter a specific conversation. Introducing some key phrases and words related to the topic will help this.

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