For Sokna May 2013 Great things that you do Showing students conversational language.

. Why this is important This language is natural. Our aim is to make our students speak in conversation as native speakers would. They are more likely to need to use this language when these items are around them. It helps the students a lot with pronunciation. Pictures help get the students interested in the topic. This is great. They are more interested in learning because they like their teacher. It helps the students remember it. This is really good as it helps students improve their listening skills.

Teaching vocabulary that is relevant to Cambodia e.g. Cambodian fruit. Using phonetic script. Using pictures.

You have a great rapport with the students. They really like you. Review vocabulary. Dictation

Some things that we could change More pronunciation so that students can say the words

How to change them Do much more pronunciation work. Have the students listen and repeat more. Volunteers can help. Do this with the whole class, groups and then individually (in that order). Let the students practice pronunciation in pairs.

Have more speaking practice

Get students to practice speaking the conversations that the teacher provides. Have pronunciation practice before this so that they are ready. Later, have them write their own conversations in groups and practice them aloud.

Have less Khmer in class

Encourage the students to speak English in class with their classmates. Teach them relevant language as they need it e.g. Can I borrow your? Try to use Khmer as little as possible.

Have students copy from the board less

Give the students photocopies of the words instead of having them copy from the board. The students will need folders for them to store the paper.

CHOICE English class Our English class has 38 students but normally only 16 or so come attend the class on a given day. Their teacher is Sokna who is a great teacher and who the students really like. Talk to him briefly before his lesson to find out what he needs from you for the lesson. The students are a very friendly bunch. Introduce yourself to them and let them ask you questions. What the students need most Pronunciation practice How you can help You can stand in front of the class and say the language that the students are working on. Have them repeat the language as a whole class and in groups. Then you can choose individual students to say the words. Choose them by pointing with your hand open.

Other ideas: Have the students work in pairs and ask their partner to repeat certain words. Monitor and correct them when needed.

Speaking practice

Students are often given conversations on the board. You can roleplay this conversation in front of the class with other volunteers, the teacher and/or strong students. Then have the students practice the conversation in their pairs/small groups. Be sure they have had pronunciation practice before speaking. For further challenge, encourage the students to play their roles without reading their lines.

Later, help the students to write and then perform their own conversations.