Казахский государственный женский
педагогический университет Вестник №3(51), 2014 г.
84
Abstract: The language, therefore becomes an instrument of communication, whose
purpose is to help complete the task successfully. The students can use any language they need to
reach their objective. Usually there is no ‘correct answer’ for a task outcome. Students decide
their own way of completing it, using the language they see fit. In task-based learning, the
central focus of the lesson is the task itself, not a grammar point or a lexical area, and the
objective is not to ‘learn the structure’ but to ‘complete the task’. Of course, to complete the task
successfully students have to use the right language and communicate their ideas. The advantage
of TBL over more traditional methods is that it allows students to focus on real communication.
This draws the learners’ attention to what they know how to do, what they don’t know how to
do, It makes learners aware of their needs and encourages them to take some of the responsibility
for their own learning.
Keywords: teaching method, communication, interact, the accent, a target language,
learning.
What is the best method for teaching and learning English? Over the past 50 years methods
of teaching English have developed at a fast pace. It is important that language students, as well
as teachers, understand the various methods and techniques The main methodologies being:
1. Grammar translation- the standard classical method
2. Direct method-stressing the importance of speaking
3. Communicative- the standard modern method
4. Eclecticism- my favored approach.
Fitting the lesson to the learner, and not the learner to the lesson. I have found that every
class, (as well as every student, to some extent), is unique, and requires specialized
consideration. It is necessary to go into depth, analyze each group, and find what will make it
most productive. There is a definite, unique flow and energy that will require the proper mind-set
on the part of the instructor. Student participation, and interesting subject matter are omnipotent
in maintaining a healthy interest in their learning experience. I always live by the credo: If you
like something, you will learn it. Putting much of my focus on motivation to help students
become independent and inspired to learn more. One day, I happened to bring up soccer when
we were engaged in our practical English language discussion; not realizing that there were so
many students in class who were big soccer fans. Because of their interest in the subject, the
lesson really took off. It was a very productive exchange, and I can say they learned many new
language points as a result. They left the class very happy and motivated. At the same time, they
learned a lot. So, I always try to find interesting subject matter. It seems to make all the
difference.
I also like to set aside time at the end of the week to pick students out, and give them a part
in a particular situation where they are forced to communicate and interact in English. It is
important that they do not switch back to their native tongue. When they get stuck, other students
(in English) help out.
I hear some of my colleagues say that accent is not as important as some may think. That
when you are in a foreign land and you speak and your accent isn't great, people still understand
you. I totally disagree with this mindset. To speak your target language the best possible way is
very important, and I'll give you some examples. To say a word without the proper accent is to
not know the word. Your words are a yardstick by which others measure your intelligence. The
better you can speak your target language, the more respected you will be in the business world.
Your goal should be to speak like a native. It is not impossible, and doesn't require superior
intelligence. It requires determination and hard work. I encourage them to watch as much
English television and movies as possible. This puts the language, and the accent, in their ears. I
Қазақ мемлекеттік қыздар
педагогикалық университеті Хабаршы №3 (51), 2014 ж.
85
also have time set aside during the week where we discuss and explore the accent of their target
language.
In closing, I'd like to touch on a form of methodology known as TBL, or Task Based
Learning. In task-based learning, the central focus of the lesson is the task itself, not a grammar
point or a lexical area, and the objective is not to «learn the structure» but to «complete the
task». Of course, to complete the task successfully students have to use the right language and
communicate their ideas. The language, therefore becomes an instrument of communication,
whose purpose is to help complete the task successfully. The students can use any language they
need to reach their objective. Usually there is no «correct answer» for a task outcome. Students
decide their own way of completing it, using the language they see fit.
Generally, teachers using a TBL approach divide their task-based classes into three stages:
Stage 1: The pre-task. The teacher introduces the topic and familiarizes students with situations
and texts (reading and listening). This draws the students into the topic and brings up language
that may be useful.
The teacher then explains what the task is and sets up the activity.
Stage 2: Students perform the task in pairs or groups. They may then present their
findings/conclusions to the rest of the class. In this stage, mistakes are not important; the teacher
provides support and monitors.
The learners focus on communication, perhaps at the expense of accuracy, but this will be
dealt with in the next stage.
Stage 3: The teacher works on specific language points which come up. Students reflect on
the language needed to complete the task and how well they did. This is their opportunity to
concentrate on accuracy and make sure they resolve any doubts or problems they had.
The advantage of TBL over more traditional methods is that it allows students to focus on
real communication. This draws the learners’ attention to what they know how to do, and what
they don’t know how to do. It makes learners aware of their needs and encourages them to take
some of the responsibility for their own learning.
Here is a plan of the lesson based on the methods of PPP (Presentation/ Practice/
Production) and TBL (Task Based Learning). The method of PPP, as in this lesson, students are
introduced to a new thematic vocabulary and learn to use it, performing various exercises. Since
stage Production students perform a creative task and perform it in a group (the number of
students in a group may vary, but the best part - 3-5 people), the teacher must carefully prepare
them for this task, perform the Pre-task assignments. After performing a creative task students
have the opportunity to demonstrate the results obtained, their speech skills. Thus, they can
compare the work of all groups and evaluate them. At the same time the teacher can evaluate the
work and identify any deficiencies and weaknesses and then spend with the students work on the
bugs. This work can be done in the classroom, at the next lesson or at home. Thus, to complete
this creative task, students perform Pre-Task and Post-Task task that corresponds to the method
TBL.
I. Level of students from Elementary to Pre-intermediate. Lead-in (to introduce the topic, to
motivate the learners).
T: Look at the photos. What can you see in the photos?
S: People.
T: Are they of different age?
S: Yes, they are.
T: Are they of different sex?
S: Yes, they are.
T: Are they of different nationalities?
S: Yes, they are.
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