One of the claims of language tests administered in Greece is that topical knowledge is not tested so that all candidates may stand the same chance of performing well. However, topical knowledge, especially in the form of intercultural knowledge, is one of the constructs that should be tested according to the CEFR by which all language tests are supposed...
Many students equate being able to speak a language as knowing the language and therefore view learning the language as learning how to speak the language, or as Nunan (1991) wrote, "success is measured in terms of the ability to carry out a conversation in the (target) language." Therefore, if students do not learn how to speak or do not get any...
On exploring this issue, due to the gadgets and apps accessible to the majority of learners these days, one might expect to hear that, anything related to modern technology -from a podcast to an announcement, or from an interview of their favourite singer to a video on social media or YouTube, could be engaging for learners at B1 level. However, sometimes...
Students often think that the ability to speak a language is the product of language learning, but speaking is also a crucial part of the language learning process. Effective instructors teach students speaking strategies -- using minimal responses, recognizing scripts, and using language to talk about language -- that they can use to help themselves...
Back in November we contacted a number of teachers, teacher trainers, oral examiners etc. and asked them to write about this thorny issue. When we received the articles we found out that most of them dealt with the Speaking Part of Tests.
“I can understand my teacher’s English, but when I speak to ‘real people’ I can’t understand them”. Have you heard this...
Theoretical evidence in decision making and lesson planning in B2 listening classes
By Vassiliki Lismani
Listening, along with reading, is categorized as a receptive language skill. Sharing their common fate, listening and reading are also considered secondary skills giving prominence to writing and speaking. Nunan (1997) describes listening in...
“A good teacher is hard to find,
difficult to leave
and impossible to forget”.
If you keep that in mind you will be a successful teacher when facing an adult audience willing to better their speaking skills for their career.
Always remember that you should have to:
Make them feel at home and make...
Language is a tool for communication. We communicate with others, to express our ideas, and to know others’ ideas as well. Communication takes place mostly where there is speech.
The importance of speaking skills is enormous for the learners of any language. Without speech, a language is reduced to a mere script. Any gap in communication results in...
Listening actively is a body, heart and mind workout. It requires attention to self as well as a full immersion into the collective, while aspiring to keep every individual in mind. It demands that we keep our ego at bay and maintain a targeted focus on the other. The hardest part about listening is to minimize our natural tendencies to step in to fix...
