VARIETIES OF METHODS AND MATERIALS

I do not have formal teacher training in EFL but I have read enough to know about the different teaching styles. I have also found out the benefit of using a variety of educational materials. Often it seems I am relying too much on chalk and a blackboard for visual material, or only on my voice or the textbook for audio material. Over a few years I have collected many binders full of OHP’s, copies of songs, puzzles, and activities. The resource material here can be used over and over again. Students appreciate different approaches to learning. I can’t say I am using any one generally accepted method of teaching, for example, student-centered, TPR, natural method, of even the very mystical and untested “suggestopedia”. In my experience TPR is the best approach for new beginners, especially children, and I am constantly striving to employ this method. Recently, a method called Task-Based Learning, has caught my attention and I have been using resource books for this when I teach Elementary school teachers.

It appears that a “teacher-centered” approach is the default standard. For example, when I really don’t know what to do during a class I will read from their textbook and have them repeat after me. This only helps their listening ability and their comprehension of meaning. I also review new words at the back of the text. A ‘static” approach of the teacher-centered way is to use the classroom attendance record to ask individual students comprehension questions. This isn’t a bad method, though Korean students are often shy to stand up and answer a question in a big classroom. Once several questions and answers are “modeled”, most students can do it.

Throughout the term I use, video, songs, games, and TPR. I don’t know why I have not developed role plays more seriously with these students. I know their abilities do not include writing, but I did have an English cartoon contest once that was very success. Role plays sometimes require group work, and I don’t use this method that much. I have heard from other Middle school teachers that using group and partner work is the only way to teach the big classroom. I think it may be true but I have been unable to implement very much group work.