Teaching English (pronunciation problem)

[Neta_02]

Hi,

I teach English for a few of my colleagues. Five out of the 11 are not able to talk. They are not even able to pronounce. And there is not initiative from their side. How do I handle such students? Please tell me know.

Thank you,
Neta

[Jamie (K)]

If a student takes no initiative, there is very little you can do to help him. Your main task, then, is to make sure the unmotivated students do not slow the class down for the motivated ones. Have you tried talking to them directly about the problem?

This sounds horrible, but when I get students like that, and they won't change, my highest priority is to get them out of my class.

[Mister Micawber]

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Learners' approach to language learning can vary widely. Stephen Krashen presents an anecdote in one of his texts about a middle-aged female learner who spoke not a word for a whole term (Krashen had essentially let her sit and listen while the other class members participated) and then at last and suddenly broke out into a very well-developed basic English and thereafter participated actively.

Also, adults (especially male adults) can often be extremely reluctant to open themselves to the possibility of error. The solution (unless you opt for getting them out of your class) is patience and support. Heavy on the listening materials-- feel free to do more talking yourself. Let them participate passively by listening to the other students' conversation. Accept small efforts with enthusiasm. Remember that native children listen for about 2 years before they start talking. When they are ready, when they are confident, your students will speak.
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_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Jamie (K)]

Mister Micawber is absolutely right in what he says, if the students are really trying to learn English. Some who are really trying just sit and listen for a long time. If they're motivated, they'll eventually talk. I've had that happen in some of my classes.

Students who don't care are another story. I guess you have to discern yourself whether they care or not.

[Mister Micawber]

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Yes; are your colleagues by any chance required by your employer to take these English lessons after work and without being paid?
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_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber

[Mister Micawber]

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Sorry, Neta-- I deleted your thank-you post by mistake while I was trying to delete the advertising. Please feel free to re-post. Happy New Year!
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_________________
Canadian-American native speaker
who teaches English for a living at Mister Micawber's
ESL cafe: Interview with Mister Micawber