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As English teachers, we’re almost always on the lookout for new and interesting ways to stimulate our language learners. It was ELT author and researcher Stephen D. Krashen who gave us his Affective Filter hypothesis of Second or Foreign language acquisition. (Krashen – Terrell, 1983) His hypothesis states, that conditions which promote low anxiety levels in class concede bettered learning on the part of students. When learners take delight in class actions their Affective Filter is low and they learn more. New and dissimilar activenesses “out of the norm” likewise lower learner affective filters. Here are a great deal of not-so-commonly-used proficiencies for adding that “new twist” to your English or alien language classes. Giving learners something new does wonders in relieving boredom, spiking interest and letting down the Affective Filter of learners on whom you may have “tried everything”. 1. Using an iPod Do you learners carry iPods or cellular phones? Don’t curse and swear at them for using engineering science in their lives. Turn it to your advantage! A number of good internet sites now subsist that may get you and your learners up and running using this latest new technology for language learning and practice. Here are utile web site for more podcasting information: • Podcasting: Audio on the Internet comes of age • Morning Stories • Podcast Pickle http://www.podcastpickle.com • Internet TESL Journal http://iteslj.org/links/ESL/Listening/Podcasts/ 2. Let Mr. Bean Help You You all recognise him and love his humorous twists on each day living. So don’t just sit there nodding, grab a CD or VHS full of sequences and try a few out on your learners. Let them do the talking. They may offer suggestions, write to Mr. Bean and his other characters, express views and do comparings of his world vs. their own. By the way, is he REALLY an alien? Follow his antics, get video clips, program guides and more at: • [http://www.rowanatkinson.org/mr_bean.htm] • [http://www.dsv.su.se/~mats-bjo/bean/bean.html] 3. Ask Walt Disney for Advice Although I’m old sufficient to do not forget his presence and passing, Walt Disney may still make us laugh, smile, cry and cheer with the jokes of scores of his characters and their families. Take numerous short “clips” from his animated stories. Change the situation. Alter the characters. Modify an ending or a beginning to cause a whole dissimilar outlook on age-old themes. Are your stories and characters better? As long as they’re different, stimulating and generate interest or discussion, that’s all that matters. Everyone, even you, will have a outstanding time coming up with new twists on these classic themes. Try it! • http://disney.go.com/home/today/index.html • http://www.justdisney.com/walt_disney/ 4. Letting Learners Create Lesson Materials Turnabout is reasonable play, or so they say. Take a day to switch roles. Have you ever let your learners write an exam? How regarding planning a fun class? Having a “hot” speech on a topic that THEY want to talk with regards to – music, movies, cute guys / gals, techno-babble? Nothing is taboo – well closely nothing, anyway! What do you think they’ll talk about? You’d be surprised! 5. Join the Club Let’s all go to the Conversation Club. What you don’t have one? Okay then, begin one – each Thursday from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm or whatsoever time, day and duration may suit you and your learners. The key is to give THEM the majority of control, or at least as much as possible. Use props, use realia, use pictures, music or whatsoever you and your learners may have on hand to start, stop and sustain the activities. Other “clubs” you could join include: • Pronunciation clubs • Reading clubs • Movie clubs • Acting Clubs Use your and your learners’ imaginations. The sky’s the limit – or possibly the Administration’s sky is the limit. But no matter, just undertake something new for starters. Try out a lot of of these not-so-commonly-used proficiencies for adding that “new twist” to your English or alien language classes. Give your learners something new to relieve any boredom and spike their interest. Can’t you just listen those Affective Filters falling now?
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