Search results for 'tag:Vocabulary tag:Difference between' matching tags 'Vocabulary' and 'Difference between'

use of video at class-ideas

linguaprof — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 15:12:44 GMT

Hi! This is something I wrote for our teachers in Romania, I am sure many of you will find these ideas/tricks useful. I have a huge experience with using videos at class and I think it is esential for effective&interesting classes.

Use of video

Advantages
- more interesting and varied classes
- more "authentic" speaking exercises
- more opportunities for students to speak
- possibility for the tired teacher to take a short rest while
students watching the video-but don't use it as a simple "time
filler"!
- intensive "production" speaking exercises
- videos can be used for both accuracy and fluency type of
exercises

Watching 3-5 minutes, then:
- students asking each other questions-open and closed
- the teacher asking the students questions-open and closed
- the teacher saying sentences about the video which are not
true, the students have to correct him/her
- the students have to say true/ untrue sentences about the
video
- the teacher starts a sentence about the video, the students
have to complete the sentence giving true or untrue information.
- students might be asked to continue the story- they can
write the continuation down, or say it directly, depending on their
level

- depending on the students' level and speaking skills the
teacher can direct the activities- for example students will ask
questions only with Do they haveâ¦?, or Are thereâ¦? Or say sentences
with There areâ¦., in this way " Production" speaking exercises with
a video can be used teach a specific grammar structure. Don't forget
that interrogative mood is more difficult for your students, so for
the beginning ask them to say questions starting with the same
structure.

If you are tired, you can let your students note down things about
the video while watching it for 6-7 minutes, and then tell you what
they have just seen.

"Stop and go "exercises- these can be used in an extremely intensive
way to teach speaking. The exercises can be the same as at point 1,
but the teacher uses "frozen" pictures. In a 3-4 minute video, we
can find at least 50-60 suggestive images that can
be "authentically" used to provoke speaking.
We can stop the video repeatedly in the middle of a sentence,
students can be asked to continue it somehow.
We can ask students to predict what is going to happen in the next
moments- present tenses can be used too, not only future, so the
lack of appropriate grammar usage is not a problem.

Using DVDs with English subtitles
These can be used mostly with pre-intermediate and upper students.
The students can watch a 4-6 minutes video, with subtitles, then
- teacher can stop the DVD time by time, and analyze the
sentence that you heard and which can be seen on the screen). As we
discussed a our training, a sentence like "She hasn't discussed it
with her mother yet." can be analyzed according to the four language
systems and we can teach grammar vocabulary, functions or phonology
by it- in this case grammar especially. At lower levels it is
preferable to teach just vocabulary or one type of grammar
structure, at intermediate and higher levels students might like the
mixture of learning different systems and skills.
- students can play the role of the teacher, they can use the
remote control and instruct other students what to do (clever
children love these kind of situations), or "to teach" structures

Watching a "mute" video
- students can comment what they see in the pictures
- students can try to say what the characters say in the
pictures

Listening to the video, without watching
- students can imagine what is shown on the screen wile
listening to a commentary or people speaking on the video

Videos to introduce a topic
This often needs preparation, and a wider range of videos available
so that it can be of real help. Used well, it can be an
excellent "starting point" for a class- for conversational classes
especially.

These are a few ideas about using video at class- for a creative
teacher these activities don't need too much preparation. Don't
forget to make a difference between accuracy and fluency exercises,
and DON"T CORRECT your students while they try to express
themselves. Video lessons like the ones from the REWARD interactive
CDs accompanied by Video Resource Pack for teachers can help you
create even more professional classes

Re: piercing a hole

Grammar Geek — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 19:13:28 GMT

Huevos
GG, why not just call everything a thingy? Every field has its own specialist vocabulary and in order to discuse such a field in depth one needs to learn that vocabulary. Just because the layman may not be familar with such vocalulary does not make it wrong to use.

Because my goal here is to help people learn how to communicate and sound natural! There's a HUGE difference between calling everything a "thingy" and using extremely specific vocabulary known by fewer than 5% of the population and used by fewer than 1% (obviously estimates) and then wondering why people don't understand you. The vocabulary you use will depend on the contexts you are in.

If I were a medical professional, I would use the specialist vocabulary of medical professionals. When two teenage girls are discussing their pierced ears, they don't use "fistula."

Re: Two question about "where"

Velimir — Fri, 08 Feb 2008 12:21:28 GMT

Hello Ant 222,

First,thank you for the compliments.It means to me.
Excuse me for misinterpreting your message it was not intentional.I'm glad we agree on this point,but it would also be ok with me if we do not.There is always room for every sort of opinion.I think that a native english-speaking person would say in this context like: "nothing is written in stone".Smiley.Thanks again.
I agree too on "<<<Furthermore, I try to understand things logically and find explanations for every problem so that I won't have to simply memorize things! ",and I would add here that it is exactly what grammarians do.They establish logic i.e regularities in the language to ease memorizing vocabulary.

Hello Goodman,

I agree with your point of view.I specially subscribe to the part "..learners must in time learn to develop a balance in learning." But also I add that the balance is not a clearcut concept and is not universal.What makes optimal balance is dependent on the learning situation.I will cite here my own discerning thought(smiley) from previous post : "So,your learning situation and my learning situation are two different situations".So the balances are different.For example,although we agree on the matter in general,maybe Ant 222 and I disagree whether this question(what is the form of "where"..)is necessary knowledge to strike that optimal balance.
I think that this issue is incredibly complex,have so many different aspects,and is influenced by so many factors,that you can never say to somebody what is the right way like : "Dude,follow the road to the junction and then turn left..".or "scramble three eggs,put a spoonful of sugar and then mix until your arm is numbed..".Maybe closest to the truth would be if we say that everything matters.But one should say as the following to it that it is important to set apart what is consequential from inconsequential(or less consequential),in his/her learning of the language.And that is also a scientific method of acquiring knowledge.That is,grammarians analyze the language and then synthetize it in some convenient chunks and the learner should understand the gist of it and use it as a construction on which he/she will build his/her vocabulary.Still,a learner can be close to mastering that gist of the grammar and find himself in a situation that his vocabulary is awkward,funny or unintelligible,or at least that he leave the listener with the impression of talking with Queen Elizabeth when he wanted to sound like the frontmen of 50 cents or vice versa,or most probably neither of that options,but he wanted just a regular chat.There is a lot sweat until we esl learners grasp the language so well to avoid such things.Besides,there is always question what is his/her learning objective.The question of utilizing is also a broad concept.If you learn because you need to know english only to communicate with your customers on the local market then less will do,i.e:

Buy oranges.Two oranges for twenty cents.I give one free when you buy two.

As to the sale,this is a quite good level of utilization.Whether the customer will utilize the oranges is up to oranges,some preposition more or less will not make difference.
The opposite extreme of a personal ambition would be to learn with ambition to write bestselers or so.And on that scale of ambition you could line up EFL learners as well.With my "not so good" english I'm able to make a difference between speakers which language is too rich with "and" and with too many "so",along with "uh" every now and then,and those who speak smoothly.The first may ruin the best idea with such language and former can make some stupidity sounds groundbreaking.

Best regards and thanks for the discussions

Velimir

Re: cake or pie?

Philip — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 19:26:24 GMT

Eire wrote:

What's the difference between a cake and a pie? The other day I was teaching some vocabulary related to food and my students asked me the difference between a cake and a pie. I didn't know what to say.

Thanks a lot,

Maite.

I think a quick "images" search at Google will help you out.

cake or pie?

Eire — Sun, 18 Nov 2007 18:43:18 GMT

What's the difference between a cake and a pie? The other day I was teaching some vocabulary related to food and my students asked me the difference between a cake and a pie. I didn't know what to say.

Thanks a lot,

Maite.

Re: Please help me proof it. Thanks

Cheese1987 — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 04:39:46 GMT

Julielai wrote:

Some parts in red for you to fix

Cheese1987 wrote:

Thank you!

Account of the recent language learning experience and insights gained through the course both inside and outside of class

      I have learnt some useful skills in the course in these months.(incomplete sentence) The most impressing (missing three letters) lesson teach me how to write a composition in an (article) appropriate (sp.) style. I do know it is important to choose the appropriate style and tone when writing. I also understand that language style can be classified as formal, neutral and informal before. However, I do not know how I can write in an appropriate style correctly. The skills are not taught when I am in secondary school. After the lesson, I understand choice of vocabulary, sentence structure and grammar, use of transitional words and phrases, use of punctuation and use of abbreaviations and short forms affect the language style. I feel happy that I know how I can write in an appropriate style now. I believe that I can match the type of writing more correctly and therefore, my writing will _not__ _be__ (Insert words here) awkward or unnatural.

      Reading English newspapers also helps me to improve my English. I am not used to reading English newspaper before. But I am required to buy South China Morning Post from the courses. From then on I try to make reading South China Morning Post to be my daily routine. I find that it is an effective way to learn more vocabularies. It also helps me to broaden my horizon(Review your use of not only but also) Now I read South China Morning Post form Yahoo. So I can read South China Morning Post everyday. I deeply believe that South China Morning Post is worth reading.

Personal changed feelings/opinions/attitude towards English language learning

    I am convinced that English language learning are stressful and frustrating before. I feel nervous when everyone is focus on me and when teacher is listening carefully. I believe this feeling comes from my self- doubt. I think classmates are step ahead of me. I also cannot correctly pronounce some sounds and sets of sound. To be frank, I have thought that English is no more important because I am in Chinese Language and Literature Programme. I no need to improve my English anymore.

However, my friends told me that mastery of the English language is important. Hong Kong being a service - oriented economy, the advantage of having a competent English-speaking work force has become all the more improtant. I know that being a Chinese Language and Literature student is only an excuse to avoid learning English (You shouldn't think like that! Nothing wrong with being a Chinese major.). This thought only badly affects my interest and progress of learning English. I do know that if I lose the interest of learning English, my English cannot improve anymore. I need to find some ways to prevent feeling so embarrassed.

     There are ways for me to prevent feeling so embarrassed. I think the most practical way is to improve English. I should study English continuously. When I find some words that I cannot pronouce, I will check the electronic dictionary immediately. I will also try to speak English with my friends. I believe I can speak English fluently if I often do that. My friends can also kindly point out my grammatical mistakes. They will not laugh at my absurd mistakes. Therefore, I will not feel embarrassed anymore.

Personal Learning Plan

Long term goals:

a)         To get a C grade in Use of English in Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination

b)        To get a band score of 7 in IELTS

Short term goals:

a)         To finish all the exercises in Advanced Grammar in Use.

b)        To keep reading South China Moring Post and Hong Kong Standard

c)        To write compositions

Materials to use:

a)         Advanced Grammar in Use Exercise book

b)        South China Morning Post

c)        Hong Kong Standard

Activities to engage in:

a)         To join some workshops held by ITC

b)        To exchange oversea in Summer

How often:

a)         Doing 3 exercises everyday

b)        Reading Newspapers everyday (Look up the difference between "every day" and everyday)

c)        Writing a composition every 2 weeks

Mode of learning:

a)         Keep doing exercise and composition

b)        Keep reading newspapers

Mode of assessment:

a)         To sit for Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination.

b)        To sit for IELTS.

Re: Please help me proof it. Thanks

julielai — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 22:06:53 GMT

Some parts in red for you to fix

Cheese1987 wrote:

Account of the recent language learning experience and insights gained through the course both inside and outside of class

     Some useful skill I have learnt in the course in these months.(incomplete sentence) The most impress_ _ _ (missing three letters) ~~me is the~~ lesson teaching me how to write a composition in a (article) approicate (sp.) style. I do know it is important to choose the appropriate ~~and~~ tone when writing. I also understand that language style can be classified as formal, Neutral and Informal before. However, I do not know how I can write in an approriate style correctly. The skills are not taught when I am in secondary school. After the lesson, I understand choice of vocabulary, sentence structure and grammar, use of transitional words and phrases, use of punctuation and use of abbreaviations and short forms ~~are a critical issue~~ affect~~ing~~ the language style. I feel happy that I know how I can write in an approiate style now. I believe that I can match the type of writing more correctly and therefore, my writing will ~~be avoided to regard as~~ ___ ___ (Insert words here) awkward or unnatural.

      Reading English newspapers also helps me to improve my English. I am not used to reading English newspaper before. But I am required to buy South China Morning Post throught the courses. From then on I try to make reading South China Morning Post to be my daily routine. ~~I find that not only vocabularies I can learnt more , but also the horizon I can borden.~~ (Review your use of not only but also) Now ~~when the days I cannot received Newspaper from the lesson,~~ I read South China Morning Post form Yahoo. So I can read South China Morning Post everyday. I deeply believe that South China Morning Post is worth reading.

Personal changed feelings/opinions/attitude towards English language learning

    I am convinced that English language learning are stressful and frustrating before. I feel nervous when everyone is focus on me and when teacher is listening carefully. I believe this feeling comes from my self- doubt. I think classmates are step ahead of me. I also cannot correctly pronounce some sounds and sets of sound. To be frank, I have thought that English is no more important because I am in Chinese Language and Literature Programme. I no need to improve my English anymore.

However, my friends told me that mastery of the English language is indispensible. Hong Kong being a service - oriented economy, the advantage of having a competent English-speaking work force has become all the more improtant. I know that being a Chinese Language and Literature student is only an excuse to avoid learning English (You shouldn't think like that! Nothing wrong with being a Chinese major.). This thought only badly affect my interest and progress of learning English. I do know that if I lost the interest of learning English, my English cannot improve anymore. I need to find some ways to prevent feeling so fear and embarrassed.

     There are ways for me to prevent feeling so embarrassment. I think the most basical way is to improve English. I should study English continuously. When I find some words that I cannot ~~ensure to correctly~~ pronouce, I will check the electronic dictionary immediately. I will also try to speak English with my friends. I believe I can speak English fluently if I often do that. My friends can also kindly point out my grammatical mistakes. They will not laugh at my absurd mistakes. Therefore, I will not feel embarrassed anymore.

Personal Learning Plan

Long term goals:

a)         To get a C grade in Use of English in Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination

b)        To get a band score of 7 ~~marks~~ in IELTS

Short term goals:

a)         To finish all the exercises in Advanced Grammar in Use.

b)        To keep reading South China Moring Post and standard

c)        To write compositions

Materials to use:

a)         Advanced Grammar in Use Exercise book

b)        South China Morning Post

c)        Hong Kong Standard

Activities to engage in:

a)         To join some workshops held by ITC

b)        To exchange in Summer

How often:

a)         Doing 3 exercises everyday

b)        Reading Newspapers every day (Look up the difference between "every day" and everyday)

c)        Writing a composition every 2 weeks

Mode of learning:

a)         Keep doing exercise and composition

b)        Keep reading Newspapers

Mode of assessment:

a)         To sit for Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination.

b)        To sit for IELTS.

Re: Poll: British English vs American English

Daffy Duck — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 10:04:24 GMT

Titithi wrote:
I agree with you: learning both is useful. In my country,we have learned British English and we should explain why the pronunciation of this word can pronounce in different other way or why people use "will" instead of "shall". Today , our program is changed into American English, we usually explain the difference between B.E and A.E.in pronunciation and in some cases of grammar or vocabulary.....It is not serious in lower level. Imitating is the best way to learn so we use only the CVD or Cassette with the American speakers voice while in the past we use British books and Cassette. Students often ask us some suspicious thing that they have heard on TV and on Movie, Ads.....Are they true or wrong...?

Thanks Titithi!

Re: Poll: British English vs American English

Titithi — Wed, 31 Oct 2007 03:46:07 GMT

I agree with you: learning both is useful. In my country,we have learned British English and we should explain why the pronunciation of this word can pronounce in different other way or why people use "will" instead of "shall". Today , our program is changed into American English, we usually explain the difference between B.E and A.E.in pronunciation and in some cases of grammar or vocabulary.....It is not serious in lower level. Imitating is the best way to learn so we use only the CVD or Cassette with the American speakers voice while in the past we use British books and Cassette. Students often ask us some suspicious thing that they have heard on TV and on Movie, Ads.....Are they true or wrong...?

difference between work and job

Espeland — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:38:04 GMT

Hello everybody !

I'm currently doing vocabulary and grammar exercices in a learning book. One vocabulary exercice consists of choosing the right word out of two in a given sentence :

Most people would prefer a job/work wich was near home.

I chose "work" and that was the wrong answer - but why ? If "work" means also "the place where you work", why is it incorrect in this sentence ?

Thank you in advance for any help.