Teaching speaking skill

Kieunga_ Sep. 8th, 2007 1
PROBLEMS WITH SPEAKING ACTIVITIES
1. Inhibition
Learners find it difficult to say things in a
foreign language in a classroom because they
are shy or perhaps they are afraid of making
mistakes, of others’ criticism or losing face.
2. Nothing to say
Learners often complain that they cannot think
of anything to say, usually they have no motive
to express themselves.
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3. Low or uneven participation
In a larger group, learners have very little
talking time because of some dominant
learners’ talks.
4. Mother-tongue use
Learners tend to use mother tongue because
they find it easier and more natural to speak
their mother tongue than a foreign language.
When talking in small groups, learners tend
to use their mother tongue, then teachers
would find it difficult to get them to keep to
the target language.
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SUGGESTED SOLUTIONS
1. Use groupwork
This increases the amount of learners’ talking
time even though learners may slip into their
mother tongue in their talk and the teacher
cannot totally control such things.

2. Base the activity on easy language
The level of language needed for a discussion
should be easier. The participants find it easy
to recall or produce the language, then they
can speak fluently. It would be good if
essential vocabulary is pre-taught and
reviewed before the activity starts.
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3. The purpose of the discussion must be clear
If the purpose of the discussion is clear the
participants will be more motivated.
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Principles of teaching speaking
1. Practice with both accuracy and fluency
2. Create communication gap activities
3. Pair and group works