Comments on: For teachers only: One to one

By: Anne

Anne — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 17:35:02 +0000

It’s good when they ask for them, isn’t it? I definitely think doing it “on the spot” is one of the things that makes your approach successful. The idea of simulations – doing what you would do in a given situation – also frees a a lot of students up. So it seems to be good to start with card/board games to practice parts of dialogues, then to move on to simple simulations, and then to add more detail, such as “hidden agendas”.

By: ShellTerrell

ShellTerrell — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 14:45:58 +0000

I’ve never had problems with adult students wanting to involve themselves in a role play situation. However, I think I might be doing the impromptu techniques you are suggesting. I usually define role play as any type of role students take on in a pretend scenario. I ask the students first what their experiences are in their current situation and we come up with role plays from there. The students decide which areas they need to practice their English and love the fun! We do not use scripts so it is impromptu but the setting has been developed. I belonged to a mime/pantomime group for several years in high school. This training has been used in my classes several times. Do you think most teachers who feel an aversion to role play just feel strongly against using scripts? I can see this, because the scripts may not relate to the situation. However, impromptu role play without a script I think would prepare students to speak English in situations they will encounter, especially when these students do not live in a country where English is the primary language. My adult students ask for these situations because they cannot practice the English otherwise for a big meeting, traveling abroad, speaking to a client on the phone, and so forth.

By: Anne

Anne — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 21:31:39 +0000

Dear Shelly,
You know, I really wonder about roleplay, as I have had many students who simply refuse to do it. Perhaps a way in with adult learners is to use techniques from improvisation theater. Less seems to be more. By contrast, all those complicated instructions relating to who you are supposed to portray seem to block adult learners. So more “on the spot” stuff might work better.
Anne

By: Shelly Terrell

Shelly Terrell — Sat, 19 Sep 2009 08:49:43 +0000

Anne,
It was great attending your workshop! Thank you for posting some answers for the great questions that came up! I also think you bring up great points on conducting roleplay. I wonder why roleplay is more accepted with kids tham with adults?