TESL 0120: Speaking and Listening

I am excited to embark on this new course on speaking and listening and I look forward to incorporating my new learning into my teaching. Prior to starting the course I reflected on the times when I have taken language courses. I know that I spent a lot of my time anxiously waiting for my turn. I would rehearse in my head what I should say, hoping that I wouldn't pick up on the grammar or pronunciation errors of the student before me. In the classes where I had multiple opportunities to use the language, with practical rather than derisive correction, involving engaging activities that I was a more successful and confident learner. This excerpt from the book Teaching English language learners across the content areas, reminds us of always taking the first step to create a positive and engaging learning environment.

Creating a friendly learning environment

Haynes, J. and Zacarian, D. (2010). Teaching English language learners across the content areas. Alexandria, VA: ASCD.