Hello
This is a forum for discussion on the topic speaking, based on the readings. Take a look at some of the contributions by other students:
STUDENT 1
As Stanley (2013) states, when it comes to improve their speaking skills, learners may benefit from endless tools that technology provides. I agree with the author concerning the advantages of recording learners´ speaking. Indeed, students may perform better, since they will understand how well they speak and what they need to do to get better. Plus, they have plenty of time to practice before they are happy with the results.
STUDENT 2
Indeed. Recording learner's voice facilitates assessment, ensuring that all students will speak and have feedback. As it provides students with an opportunity to listen to themselves, it also engages them on revising, facilitates noticing and - especialy if they re-do the task - leads to improve language (accuracy).
STUDENT 3
Chapelle begins the chapter by stating that when asked about our language abilities, we usually answer by saying "I speak english", instead of saying I write English for example, and it happens because Speaking seems to be the ability that requires the knowledge from all other skills considering we would have to be using grammar and vocabulary for example, in order to speak. So, it is possible to argue the this would be one of the most difficult skill to master.
Dealing with teaching, Stanley points out the importance of recording by stating that it is quite beneficial considering a teacher could really assess students development in terms of speaking. This is a relevant contribution technology has made to the field, however the amount of possibilities internet has provided to learners is something worth to be mentioned. For example, the possibility to talk to foreigners might be a motivation to students, as this project created by CNA language school in which students had the opportunity to talk to old foreign people( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CYFPe2POWg ) I remember showing that to my students at the time, and they were quite excited, and I am sure they would be even more excited if they have the chance to do something similar.
STUDENT 4
When my students told me about this project from CNA that XXXXXXXX mentioned, they were really excited about it. So, I had the idea of inviting my friend, who is American, to join our class one day through Skype. Before the call, the students really put effort making the questions they wanted to ask the person. Despite being basic level students, they were really happy after the activity, because she understood them and they could understand most of what she said. It was very motivating to them. As we spoke in class, if we adapt the activity, even very basic students can take advantages from the activity proposed. So, instruction is very important. Today, we can also use Facetime, WhatsApp video call and other apps to promote this type of interaction.