Communication.....communication....and communication...I just returned from my part-time job at one of the local universities, here. I must say that today's lesson is kind of depressing. Perhaps it is due to the fact that I'm have not been sleeping well, lately or perhaps students' reactions to the lesson. Miller (n.d) pinpointed that most of the time we spend speaking compare to reading, listening and writing. It has come to my attention to the response on this week response. I agree that we speak all the time. There's nothing stopping us from speaking to others and even to our own selves. In Malaysia, generally, the main focus in the classroom is spend on reading and writing. Since English is not the official language and the fact that our education system focuses a lot on examination, teachers and students aim only to excel in 'jotting down' the correct answer on the pieces of papers given. Thus, the aspect of speaking English is much neglected. Today, my students were required to deliver a speech on a topic which interest them such as 'Types of food in Malaysia, My Dream Holiday, Benefits of having Good Personalities' and more. They were given 2 weeks to prepare their speech and I helped correct their grammar and language a week before. They even get to send me their corrected speech through email but yet only 2 out of my 30 students could effectively and successfully deliver their speech. In previous lessons, I have demonstrated to them how they need to delivery their speech and I have also given them input on the style and language. So where did I go wrong or what have I not do to fully prepare my students for the task?
A reason that I think is the major cause of this is that English is not use at all in their daily activities and that English is only a subject they take to get a degree. But eventually, all students will have to sit for an English test and pass in order to be able to graduate. Yet, many of them view English as not important and unnecessary.
Therefore my dear friends and teachers, what should I do or what can I do to help raise that speaking English is important and it is a 'valuable' too.
A reason that I think is the major cause of this is that English is not use at all in their daily activities and that English is only a subject they take to get a degree. But eventually, all students will have to sit for an English test and pass in order to be able to graduate. Yet, many of them view English as not important and unnecessary.
Therefore my dear friends and teachers, what should I do or what can I do to help raise that speaking English is important and it is a 'valuable' too.
Hi Aloy!
ReplyDeleteThe same situation is in Greece, where we pay too much attention on the fact that a student mut have a certificate of proficiency in English. The students' unwillingness may depend on their age as well(how old are yors, by the way?). Mine are between 8-12 so they are not afraid of making mistakes when speaking.. It, also, depends, on the person's personality. I remember, as a kid, I loved going to talk to tourists just to practise my English and French! It seemed so natural to me! Whereas my sister would rather die than speak in English! We, both , have the same certificates of proficiency in both languages, though!
What I would suggest, is to "open" their minds! Make them listen to English songs, have them watch English/American films... Anf why don't you try do something with a school from an English speaking country? such as e-mailing?
I hope I have helped. And do not worry. I am sure you are doing your best.. It's not always the teachers to blame for a student's failure...
Hi Georgia! Thanks for your words of wisdom! My students in school are between age 16 and 17.. but the students I was referring to in my post are university students who are between the age of 19 to 26. I guess its fear that makes everyone not wanting to speak another language. As for me, the fact that my mom does not speak my dad's mother tongue; Hakka (a dialect in Chinese), so we all spoke a common language; that is English, at home since young. Now I am an English teacher, I become more obsess with the idea of mastering English.. Ah.. maybe I just need to get back to basic and make learning English fun right? Georgia.. thanks so much for your ideas.. I will definitely try them out whenever I am able to..
DeleteHi Aloy!
ReplyDeleteI think lots of English teachers have the same problem you're talking about. In my case, the problem originates in the actual curriculum created by the education system because it focuses too much on grammar and the amount of grammar we have to cover every year doesn't leave too much room to carry out creative projects with our students, allow them enough time to speak in class, etc.
So I'd say don't blame yourself. Firsty, the students need to see the need for using English in real life. If they don't see the point of speaking English, then they won't show interest. Secondly, I don't know how your education system works, but if speaking and listening are not given enough weight when assessing a language level, then the problem lies in the system. Of course, you can try to do your best and to get students engaged and interested in practising their listening and speaking skills, as well as making them aware of the potential of speaking English fluently, but there's only so much you can do.
Good luck and keep it up! :)
Hi Patricia!
DeleteYou are so true. I think with me it is the same. I feel it is the system.. yes, in secondary level, we focus so much in preparing our student for 2 public exam. One when they are in form 3 (age 15) and another when they are in form 5 (age 17). Though out textbook has all the component but we tend to focus on grammar, writing, summarising and how to understand text and graphic material and choose the best answer. It is, like you said, leaves very limited time for us to do much. But thanks to many good friends and classmates like you, I am still and still teaching! It is always great to know that i am not alone. Thanks again for your words of encouragement!
Hi Aloy
ReplyDeleteDon’t worry it is a classic behavior of the students, they DO NOT like to do homework not only in English but in Math, Science or whatever you name specially when it is “boring” for them and, Darling I have to tell you everything is boring for this new kids! But more seriously writing (instead of speaking) sadly is the condition of the teacher to pace students to gain in knowledge to face the life that is everyday getting harder and harder, it is kind of difficult to make them to understand these things, because they are not as responsible as we would like, we are grown up persons, they are in the way to be as us,(adults) and in some cases they remain in adolescence forever,(badly) the best thing I can tell you is do not give up! Sooner or later the boys in your class will understand that you make an effort for them. …..and about the plans and the Language teaching curricula is almost the same in my country, oral/writing skills up to the roof, speech zero!
poncho
Hey Poncho!
DeleteSo I guess it is not only in Malaysia that speaking in not given much emphasis. Yep i totally agree with you that we CAN'T give up! And I won't. It takes time but I know, like you said, I will eventually create an impact in my students' lives! Thanks dear! I will take your words to heart and remember it well!!