The teacher was clearly very experienced. At the beginning of class a computer was malfunctioning so we changed rooms, the transition went smoothly. The teacher wrote the agenda on the board and then started class according to the set agenda. She spoke very slowly, being careful to annunciate every word, and spoke concisely and to the point. When students had questions, she would explain plainly and with gestures and actions if appropriate. This reminded me of when I was learning a foreign language for the first time, and how it went so much better when I spoke slowly and listened to people speaking slowly because it improved the accuracy of information processed and retained.
Although this was a Foundations class, the entire class spoke to each other in English (except for a few jokes exchanged here and there), even with friends that spoke the same native language. The teacher did an excellent job of utilizing the teaching tools available to her- the white board, the computer, worksheets, etc., and students were engaged and on task the majority of the time.
I highly recommend attending one of Felicia Ciappetta's Foundations classes, as she is excellent teaching to those at this skill level. I learned a lot and have, thanks to her, added a few activities to my tool box.
You are so right about speaking slowly! I have been speaking more slowly and in simpler sentences for two weeks at CIES. It has made me uber-conscious of my own English-language usage.
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you were able to learn from her practice and expertise!
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