TESOL/TEFL training: A Communication Lesson

An updated version of this video can now be seen here:
• TEFL-TESOL: teaching a...
See Louisa Walsh from Global English teaching a communication activity in the classroom. Students develop their communication skills and practice spoken English fluency. There is more on the methodology behind these ideas in our accredited TESOL training courses here: www.global-engl...

[@williambradridge4581]

Yes, that's a good point. When we are teaching, sometimes we can correct errors on the spot, but at other times it is sensible to collect the errors together and go over them as a class. If done correctly, it can be a more sensitive way of making corrections because the individual who made the error isn't identified, and of course the whole class can benefit from the reminder of the correct way of saying a particular word.

[@louisawalsh8351]

That's a good question, Fabian. The key issue was to have students communicating, listening and talking in English - so the focus was creating a space for fluency, building confidence and creating an activity that was fun so they would want to communicate. The secondary issue here was correction of mistakes. Mostly this correction was done at the end so as not to interfere with the fluency focus.

[@louisawalsh8351]

I'm glad you enjoyed it, Emily. Thanks for your positive comment. I understand about the anxiety doing this with a crowded class, Ozlem. It can be done but will need to be managed more carefully. So, give a small instruction, get them to follow it, give another piece of the instruction and so on. Ensure you tell them how much time is remaining to help everyone reach the same point and so on. Hope this helps.

[@gemmamcdonald7340]

Louisa Walsh amazing ! I love your videos

[@louisawalsh2461]

Thanks for all your positive comments. Nicely surprised at the number of views.These videos form part of our online TESOL certification courses at Global English TESOL where we go into more depth on how to teach different classes, correction etc.

[@louisawalsh8351]

Good point, teach ESL. The focus here was on fluency, speaking and listening. So in this case, I error corrected at the end so as not to stop the flow and focus. I also did not want them writing. I really wanted them to use their ears and not use the written word as a prop. In other lessons with a different focus, making notes etc. is possible. Thanks for your comment as it good to analyse how we approach lessons and what techniques we employ and why.

[@areruben10]

Super! warm regards from Mexico!

[@ozlem8001]

its really good and enjoyable ;however;ı still have some anxiety sbout how to do it in s much more crowded class:(

[@yumyumovic]

very nice lesson, thank you for sharing.

[@retnowatihs]

Your videos are very inspiring, I watch them many times and I've got many ideas from the way you teach. The only problem I have in my communication class is that my students are passive. Please tell me what to do. ThanK you.

[@williambradridge4581]

Hi Ino. Thanks for your comments on the class and I'm glad you find the lessons helpful. It can be difficult to motivate a passive class. Is the problem shyness, lack of interest or lack of creativity? So for a shy class, have them complete activities in pairs rather than in larger groups or in front of the class. If it is motivation, then find a theme where they want to communicate. The trick here might be to ask what they talk about and interests them in their own language. For creativity, you might need to give them more language or ideas that they can expand on. For example, if you want them to talk about future plans fo r5 minutes in pairs, maybe give them 3 incomplete sentences that they have to finish. E.g. 'By 2025 I.....' 'I won't be.....' 'Professionally in 6 years time...'

[@wisemoms]

Me too

[@dennidvd]

wow.. it was really a nice activity..

[@retnowatihs]

Thanks a lot for your suggestions

[@cesarfarfan6093]

Hey there.. XD why didn't you check if your instructions were clear before students start the activity? or sometimes it's not necessary? I liked the video. XD

[@louisawalsh8351]

Thanks, Cesar for your comment. I agree, it is a good idea to check everyone has understood the instructions - especially with lower level groups. With them I like to give info in manageable chunks, bit by bit with the group responding to each part before I give the next part of the instruction. Here, I tried to be very clear and since I split them into 2 groups - if there was any confusion, I could quickly explain to a group as a whole what to do without losing any time.

[@TeachESL]

This is a very advanced group; but how come they don't have notebooks?? My students prefer to have their corrections made right after it's made.

[@fabianespinosa4673]

Is this all about listening to other student and see if they pronounce the words correctly or is there anything else.
sometimes it gets hard for me to understand to british english

[@establishmentblues]

i know the guy who has curly hair, he is working in vietnam

[@ITDev4]

what is the name of activity when students facing each other and asking questions?

[@globalenglishtesol]

I call it hot-seating. You can use this technique with a variety of TEFL tasks. For example, job interviews. Half the class are the employers, half the candidates. Give each group the same job description and they prepare in their groups for the upcoming interview. In the end, all the interviewers face a candidate and ask and answer interview qs for say, 2 mins before moving on to the next candidate. At the end the interviewers group together to discuss the best candidate and why.

[@ITDev4]

@@globalenglishtesol thanks for replying, is it task-based approach or communicative language language teaching approach? i am so confused, could you pls tell me which?

[@apothecarxcompoundrx1562]

I didn't believe you because Alaskans do not sound like yourself.