Teach English in Jieshi Zhen - Shanwei Shi

This unit has dealt with the productive skills of language, which are writing and speaking. Learners need activities that will help develop both accuracy (correct use of language) and fluency (producing language in a flowing manner). To develop accuracy, the teacher can use methods such as controlled activities (e.g. drilling sentences using the 3 by 3 method, where the class repeats the text thrice after the teacher and then the teacher picks three individuals to repeat); guided activities (where the students carry out a language activity e.g. role play, as the teacher keeps a low profile and only intervenes where needed); and communicative games, where the class takes place in fun activities that are geared to bring about further understanding of the lesson. With speaking, it is important that learners get extra encouragement to boost their confidence and use the language more; furthermore, they may need ample time to formulate what they need to say, therefore the teacher needs to be patient and understanding. With writing, patience and understanding need also be employed, particularly for learners whose own language uses a different form of script. The learners will also need much writing practice in order to adjust. Handwriting skills need to be learned, though not rigorously. As the learners progress, they can also produce creative pieces such as poetry. The teacher needs to also be creative in providing activities that develop the learners' writing skills. Games such as charades, crossword puzzles and twenty questions are some of the fun activities that will aid in developing productive skills.