第10章Teaching Speaking
一、Characteristics of spoken language
1. Two main factors affect the improvement of speaking ability
1) Surroundings;
2) Psychology
2. The characteristics of spoken language:
1) Speaking is a skill that can be imitated and practiced
2) Speech is spontaneous: The fact that speech is spontaneous means that it is full of false starts, repetitions, incomplete sentences, and short phrases.
3) Speaking is time-constraint: Another aspect of producing spoken language is the time-constraint.
The students must be able to produce unplanned utterances in real time, otherwise people will not have the patience to listen to them.
According to Bygate, there are four common features of spoken language:
①Using less complex syntax
②Taking short cuts, e.g. incomplete sentences
③Using fixed conventional phrases/chunks
④Using devices such as fillers, hesitation device to give time to think before speaking
二、Principles for teaching speaking
General principles of teaching speaking that teachers should be aware of：
（1）Balancing accuracy-based with fluency-based practices
Structure-based practice: a focus on forms—grammar, vocabulary and so on/linguistic competence.
Fluency-based practices: to develop fluency/to encourage students to use the language more freely and stimulate real language use.
Balance: teaching context, students’ level of proficiency and resources available.
On one hand, we need to allow time for grammar and vocabulary learning so that students have sufficient linguistic competence. One the other hand, we need to provide sufficient opportunities for students to develop fluency.
（2）Contextualizing practice
People use different language in different contexts. It is important for students to have a chance to experience the language in meaningful contexts.
Teachers need to identify a situation in which a target structure is commonly used.
Students can use the language to carry out a simulated task in the classroom.
In this way, both meaning and the usage of the structure can be naturally obtained.
（3）Personalizing practice
We all remember things best when they are relevant and close to our personal experiences or when we can express our personal views.
As a teacher, we need to help students learn better by personalizing the content and context so that students can talk or write about their own life experiences and their personal opinions, and ask questions for which they are interested in finding out answers.
（4）Building up confidence
It is important for the teacher to create a relaxed and supportive environment and help them build up their confidence. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes.
