This article will compare three outlined approaches to studying and learning English speaking, and their positive and negative qualities as I see them.
The traditional approach to studying English grammar is textbook-focused. The purpose of this approach is to teach students correct English language rules and structures rather than to communicate in dynamic circumstances. For the drawbacks of this approach (boredom, lack of application, lack of retention due to the aforementioned two factors), this approach does have the benefit of having a very large data set for students to learn from. The language is divided into a myriad of grammatical forms offering a student a wealth of pre-existing information and exercises.
The YouTube approach involves integrating YouTube videos about grammar into student homework. This approach requires active discussion and practical communication with the goal of asking and answering discussion questions. Students produce oral reports and absorb information from listening skills. The focus of this approach is on one hand grammar learning and on the other, active communication. It is somewhat split in its direction. It also engages heavily on listening skills and gives students the opportunity to express themselves verbally. This is definitely a more modern, “have fun as you learn” way of studying grammar and improving your English speaking skills.
The debate approach has several steps, which I’ve noted below:
Defining a topic
Having a warm up discussion
Pre-reading warm up questions
Reading real world news & texts on debatable issues
Comprehension questions
Reading, watching, and/or listening to existing debates on the topic
Comprehension exercises
Vocabulary review related to debate phrases
Discussion of how debate may be applicable to real life situations
Set up debate structure and roles of each participant (opening statements, first point, first rebuttal, and so forth).
Peppered throughout the debate approach to learning English are various grammatical forms. At each stage, the student is provided grammar that helps them define their topic, as well as ask questions and express opinions in class. With this approach, the student finds direct application of various grammatical forms. Feedback provided to the students questions and discussion points is provided with a focus on grammar and vocabulary. The goal is not to have an amazing, well-researched debate, it’s about getting people to apply grammatical forms in a context which engages them and makes them research, develop their opinions, and share them with others.
If you’d like to learn a bit more about the studies relating to these approaches, Google the references below:
References
The use of YouTube in developing the speaking skills of Jordanian EFL university students
SPEAK YOUR MIND: SIMPLIFIED DEBATES AS A LEARNING TOOL AT THE UNIVERSITY LEVEL