Hi again. I cannot believe TESOL is sneaking up on me. I have been looking forward to it for so long I can't believe it's finally here.
OK, so the main focus of my attending TESOL is to find out how pronunciation classes are taught in other colleges and universities (no surprise, huh?). The book Curriculum Development in Language Teaching by Jack Richards is very good for those seeking to work in higher ed or other adult-ed focused programs. This book has helped me to think about a number of questions about teaching pronunciation effectively:
The Richards book talks about a number of approaches to teaching ESL students--which approaches do other people use?
If a program uses a context based curriculum, how does a teacher focus on specific pronunciation skills?
What are some ideas to teach self-monitoring to students?
Is a Listening Lab a mandated part of the course?
Are there any programs that take phonological awareness into account?
What 'homework' is given to the students?
How does a teacher know that a student has made progress?
What are ideas for generalization of skills?
Are there any other programs that teach with quarter-based calendars? How does a teacher prioritize what to work on?
What textbooks (if any) are used?
What technology has been found to be helpful?
How does a pronunciation course fit into the overall goals of a language program? Is it a required course, a 'mandated elective', or a regular elective?
I may think of some more. Watch this space for further developments!
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