Re: Teaching and Learning English in Hong Kong

From: Jim Walsh (jiSPm_walAMsh_iii_at_oOKperamNOail.com)
Date: 03/28/05 

Date: Mon, 28 Mar 2005 14:14:27 +0800

On Sun, 27 Mar 2005 06:05:48 -0800, phippsmartin thought carefully and
wrote:

> Lee Sau Dan wrote:
>> >>>>> "phippsmartin" == phippsmartin <phippsmartin@hotmail.com>
> writes:

>> From my recent German-learning experience, role playing is also funny
>> and helpful for learning frequently used expressions....

Agree.

> This was difficult to achieve with the students because their speaking
> ability was weak.....

Use easier expression in the role play.

>> A Chinese translation of those would be helpful, but the students
>> could also use a dictionary.
>
> The students use electronic dictionaries. Jim Walsh would probably balk
> at the idea of students consulting a dictionary in class.

No dictionaries are allowed in my classes.

> That reminds me. I once asked a new teacher at the school his name. I
> said "Are you Mr. Tsai?" and he said "No, I'm Mr. Tsai41." To me, it
> was appropriate to use the rising tone to ask the question, but to him I
> had mispronounced his name.

Good point.

> I actually had ONE student complain I was talking too slowly because she
> wanted to get used to hearing English at normal speed. Someone...
> speaking... like... this... can... sound... really... boring.

Normal speed, except when teaching the sounds, at first.

Teacher (slowly): am-bi-shus. [repeat a lot]

Teacher (Normal speed): Mayor Ma wants to be President. He is ambitious. I
am happy being a teacher. I am not ambitious. Who is ambitious? John?

John: Yes, I am ambitious.

Teacher: Good. Sally?

Sally: No, I am not ambitious.

Etc.

> I've noticed. And when they don't use stress-timing when they speak
> English it is difficult for a native speaker of English to understand.
> It's too bad older students don't like to sing songs or read poetry
> because that's the only way I know how to fix this problem.

Teenagers and adults love to sing English songs. For teenagers, use the
latest hits (Norah Jones is popular). For adults, use "Unchained Melody"
or some other older songs. 

-- 
Love, Jim
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