“Interaction in the English Learning Classroom”

Well here we go. My first blog post for 

When it comes to learning a new language, it should come in the natural order of learning. We discussed in class, “how do babies learn how to speak?” We answered this with an essay on The 5 Stages of Second Language Acquisition.

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We as kids we learned how to speak at home; playing with mom and dad, watching cartoons, imitating the people around us. We learned our first language by having fun. However, if we want to learn a second language, is it a good idea to learn it in a controlled environment with strict rules and hardly any fun? I don’t think so. So then, why do so many language teachers do so. That is why the need for research and collaboration of other experienced ESL/EFL teachers.

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Interaction in the classroom

The different types of interaction in the classroom are: teacher-class; teacher-student; student-student. Teacher-class – The teacher speaks most of the time during this type. The teacher should do this for no more than 25% of the time. However, it is very important since the teacher needs to give some instructions and clarifications if needed. This form also promotes respect. By asking the student to raise their hands to speak or calling student randomly the teacher teaches the students that when someone else is speaking, they should let them have their say without interruption as their voices are as equal as that of anyone else. The other form of interaction student-student. This one allows the student to learn and understand how to work with partners. It develops and improves the skills of team work. It improves peer relationship. By encouraging students in the classroom to work together they learn the importance of working cohesively with others. The final one is teacher-student. This form is also important. Students feel heard and creates a bond between the teacher and the student. Sometimes students are a bit shy or victims of bullying and refrain from participating in a group, well, their champion will jump in and help that student out.

I am sure you can find many ways and explanations to the use of these different classroom interactions. But, what bout activities? What activities can wet think of to use these kinds of interactions?

teacher-class

• reading and asking students questions
• watching a video and asking students questions
• explaining a grammar point and asking students questions to check for understanding
• ___________________________________
• ___________________________________

teacher-student

• asking the student how did the baseball game go
• asking the student specific questions about the topic or task
• helping the student write
• ___________________________________
• ___________________________________

student-student

• role-playing
• interviews
• accomplishing a project as a team or pair (writing a story, preparing a shopping list, etc.)
• ___________________________________
• ___________________________________

The blank lines are for your opinion. I am sure my classmates have so many activities up their sleeves. In Mexico we need to go to these monthly meetings called CTE (Consejo Tecnico Escolar). During these meetings you get to work alongside teachers from other schools. I like how we all get together and give each other ideas on how to teach a topic or subject. Writing in blogs and sharing the link with our fellow classmates serve the same purpose as CTEs. Oh, and it makes it easier for our teachers to check our work; all they have to store are links and not have so many archives of our work . hehehe.

 

 

References:

*image from: Jane D. Hill and Cynthia L. Björk. (????). Classroom Instruction That Works with English Language Learners Participant’s Workbook. Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/books/108053/chapters/The-Stages-of-Second-Language-Acquisition.aspx

**Image from:  laokokok. (2008). Classroom Of The 60s And 70s. Retrieved from https://timesofmylife.wordpress.com/2008/10/28/classroom-of-the-60s-and-70s/