Which is better, PROJECTS and learning in small groups OR a LECTURE?

What is the better way of learning?

a) working in small groups, discussing a problem

OR

b) listening to a teacher talk about a problem and a solution?

At TLA, we work in small groups. yes, the teacher talks sometimes, but the real work happens when YOU talk.

1. The goal is for the students to talk 80% of the time. They can work in pairs or in small groups or give presentations.

2. The teacher tells the students some real stories about real life. The students are encouraged to reveal their dreams and then we all work together to get the student closer to the dreams.

3. The grammar reveals itself. SWISS CHEESE ENGLISH: we look for the holes. The teacher decides what grammar and vocabulary to study (often with a grammar test like www.english-tests.net and other sites listed at www.languageacademyflorida.com >> Teacher Pages >> "Excellent Sites").

j4. Each student selects a project for the week or longer and the students tell each other about their progress.

5. Every day the students show photos from the Internet. Speaking, speaking, speaking...

6. The teacher is a facilitator, listening for errors, encouraging students to talk a lot and make errors. No lectures. If the teacher has a mini-lecture, he can put it on youtube.

7. CORRECTIONs WHILE TALKING: the facilitator does NOT correct the student while the student is talking. The facilitator writes down the error. Other students are invited to find the error and then the teacher writes the answer on a whiteboard.

8. CORRECTION DURING A DRILL: If a student makes an error in a speaking drill, the teacher makes a signal (a raised hand) and the other students provide the answer (which the teacher checks).

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9. The site > has a terrific pronunciation practice drill.

ManyThings.org

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Some students have a hard time listening to two conversations at the same time. Don't worry!

This is a comment that I sent to a student named Monica:

Monica,

I hope the structure of the class is not upsetting. We jump around the topics -- sometimes it is a very random class, discussing what students want to know.

I noticed that you were not comfortable, perhaps, because there were three conversations taking place at the same time. Sorry! I’m not an efficient classroom manager. I tolerate a lot of “sidetalking," and I should be more focused. I need to ask my students to be kinder to each other...

I hope you will write a description of your city and give a tour to the class using the Internet...It will be your first project in the class.

Would you like to go on a tour of a local company or museum?

We also give students an opportuity to meet local young people. I fyou are interested, talk to a teacher and say, "How can I meet local people?" and we will connect you with the group that is going....

Steve

If you have questions, write to LanguageAcademyFlorida@gmail.com