Teaching Intonation
You can’t teach what you don’t know. And as native speakers, we don’t have to “know” much about our L1 to be able to use it, do we? I learned about intonation by studying whatever I could find. As with Read More …
Month: August 2013
Professional Development: Teaching Pronunciation
I learned to teach pronunciation well by reading these books, and taking apart all the pieces of English sound, laying them all out on the table (so to speak), and then putting the pieces back together in a way that Read More …
Principle #2: Disequilibrium is Good
Surprise is a great tool for teachers because it makes learners pay close attention. When we introduce an idea or method that is incongruous to our learners previous conceptions, or use a method or tool that is unfamiliar or Read More …
Principle #1 for Teaching Pronunciation
Patterns are everywhere and we humans are experts as recognizing them, and even creating them. Our brains love patterns. Whatever you’re teaching, vowels sounds, syllable stress, intonation, teach it as part of a pattern. But patterns, our great strength, Read More …
Use Guiding Principles Rather Than Publisher Exercises to Teach Pronunciation
After years (and years) of teaching ESL and EFL, I have distilled my knowledge, skills, and experiences into guiding “principles” in a few areas of teaching, and happily, no longer have to search for materials or buy something a publisher Read More …