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#1 Parent Extefler - 2007-07-03
Back to basics - Teachers Discussion

Hi Jay-
It always goes back to basics. What would you do first with any other group of students? Assessment, of course. The first class can be a brief assessment/analysis of their general problem areas (Chinese speakers have specific problem areas that you are probably already aware of--you'll probably focus on those) and also ask them what the problem areas are that they want to focus on.

In the past I've used "tongue twisters" or simple sentences that are heavy on a particular sound (th, r, s, sh, l, t) being repeated through out the sentence. Remember to put that sound at the beginning of words, in the middle of words, and at the end of words. (I don't have my little booklet of my favorites with me right now, but I'll come back in a couple of days and give you examples.) I introduce a new sentence in each class and practice it for 20-30 minutes, and give it near the beginning of the class, and try to remember to include that particular sound or letter often during the class.

Let them know on day one that they will be responsible for much of the practice they get during the course, and that if they don't participate they won't improve (the onus is on them to improve, not upon you.) Encouragement, encouragement, encouragement. Maximize their talk time, minimize yours. You can use activities such as debate and negotiation, and give an assignment of them to give a presentation in the class. Part of that assignment will be to include the two or three most difficult pronunciation problems they personally have and to include those sounds in their presentation at least 5 or 10 times.

Good luck. If you view this as a learning experience for you and do well with it, it looks good on your resume. "Duties included teacher trainer."

jay - 2007-07-03
teacher training course help!!! Save Jay! - Teachers Discussion

Long story short..I've been "asked", because of contract, to teach 30-40 middle and high school chinese english teachers! Honestly, I am not educated enough to take on this responsibilty! My schedule is basically 7 days, 5hrs a day! subjects given for each hour..listening/speaking! Ummm ok?

I am given no direction whatsoever as to what their expectations are,what to cover each class or even what my purpose is! Basically I am told to work on their pronounciation! "it's easy" the boss says!

So I need to prepare lesson plans for 30 hours about what, I have no idea! I have 3 yrs experience teaching middle and high school students, so I have a few resources!

I really need some advice as to what to do!! Even if someone who has experience can give me some direction, that would be enough and I can feed on it! If 30 people send me One idea..Much appreciated!

Good things will always fly back to ya!
Love Jay

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