4156 lets talk about teaching english

Speaking Topics

Let’s talk about TEACHING

ENGLISH
Conversation cards
How long have you been a
teacher? Why did you become
one?
What do you like about it?

What don’t you like about
teaching English?
What can be done about this?

How many students are in you
classroom?
How many students should
ideally be in a classroom?

How can we motivate our
students to learn English?
Discuss in group and report.

What is more important: fluency
or accuracy?
Explain your point of view.

What is more important:
grammar or vocabulary?
Why do you think so?

How much of an English lesson
can be conducted in L1?
0 – 10 – 25 – 50 – 90%
Take a vote and discuss.

What can teachers do to help
students improve their English
skills?
Make a list.

How can a teacher maintain and
enforce discipline in the
classroom?
Discuss possible strategies.

How important is building
rapport?
Compare you ideas with others.

What are the qualities of a good
teacher? Work in a group and
make a list of adjectives.
Choose 3 that best describe you.

Are course books your best
friend or your worst enemy?
Explain your attitude and
possible strategies.

Is it really necessary to teach
grammar? After all, native
speakers hardly learn any.
Discuss.

Do you make use of modern
technology in your classroom?
Explain.

What is the purpose of learning
English where you teach?
What should it be?

‘Dictionaries should be allowed
during exams. After all, they’re
not banned in the real world.’
Do you agree? Explain.

According to you, how long does
it take to become proficient in
English?
Compare with what others think.

How can teachers keep their
lessons interesting and prevent
students from falling asleep?

How could you become a better teacher?

Sit down and think for a moment what new techniques

or approaches you might introduce into your classroom
in order to make learning a better experience.

Quotes: Do you agree? Discuss.
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Good teachers are costly, but bad
teachers cost more. (~ Bob Talbert)

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The mediocre teacher tells.
The good teacher explains.
The superior teacher demonstrates.
The great teacher inspires.
(~ William Arthur Ward)

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Experience is the worst teacher; it gives
the test before presenting the lesson.
(~ Vernon Law)

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Experience is the best teacher of all.
(~ Harry Callahan)

In my next lessons I will try the following:
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Speaking Topics

Useful reading
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The Practice of English Language Teaching (Jeremy Harmer)
Learning Teaching (Jim Scrivener)

Useful links
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Teachers and Textbooks - a love hate relationship
How to motivate students
The Ideal Teacher
Does a degree make a good teacher?
My Teacher is a Computer
How to improve your English