What and How to Teach Speaking

Ihsan Ibadurrahman

Checklist for speaking activity Is there a balance between fluency

and accuracy Is the topic interesting enough Do students speak all the time? Is the language at the right level? Are all students involved? Is there a link to other language

skills?

Accuracy V.S. Fluency Accuracy

Accuracy is the ability to produce correct sentences using correct grammar and vocabulary. Teachers who concentrate on accuracy help their students to produce grammatically correct written and spoken English.

Fluency Fluency is the ability to read, speak, or write easily, smoothly, and expressively. In other words, the speaker can read, understand and respond in a language clearly and concisely while relating meaning and context. Language teachers who concentrate on fluency help their students to express themselves in fluent English. They pay more attention to meaning and context and are less concerned with grammatical errors.

[taken from: http://teflworldwiki.com/index.php/Accuracy_vs_Fluency]

What are some example activities of each?Which one would you favor more? Accuracy or Fluency?

How fast can you speak?1. Full Name2. Where from3. Date of birth4. Cell phone number5. Hobbies6. Favorite movie7. Favorite song8. Something unique about yourself9. Your holiday plans10. What you have been busy with lately

Principles of teaching speaking 1. Use techniques that cover the spectrum of

learners’ needs. 2. Provide intrinsically motivating techniques. 3. Encourage the use of authentic language in

meaningful context. 4. Provide appropriate feedback and correction. 5. Capitalize on the natural link between speaking

and listening. 6. Give students opportunities to initiate oral

communication. 7. Encourage the developments of speaking

strategies such as the ones outlined in speaking microteaching skills.