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TEFL Monterey Washington

Check out Tesolcourse.com about TEFL Monterey Washington and apply today to be certified to teach English abroad.

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This is how our TEFL graduates feel they have gained from their course, and how they plan to put into action what they learned:

said:
Many instructors are not comfortable teaching slang and idioms. Some instructors believe that it is not appropriate for students to learn and use slang and idioms. However, these terms are very much part of the english language. Slang is described as a nonstandard vocabulary of a given language that is culturally derived. Idioms are phrases that mean something different from the literal meaning of the individual words. It is difficult to learn and understanding the english language without learning common slang terms and idioms. "Since idiomatic expressions are so frequently encountered in both spoken and written discourse, they require special attention in language programs and should not be relegated to a position of secondary importance in the curriculum" (Cooper, 1998). Therefore, it should be part of the curriculum of every language teacher to teach the most common slang and idioms of the english language. There are a number of reasons why a teacher should teach slang and idioms. One main reason is that slang is a significant part of everyday conversation. If english speakers pause to count the number of idioms and slang words they use in their everyday conversation, they will surely be shocked. In fact, a study conducted by Pollio & Colleagues (1977), which analyzed political debates, taped psychotherapy sessions, and compositions written by students and adults, found that people used 4.08 idioms per minute. Cooper (1998) also conducted a similar experiment using three hours of taped television programs. He found that idioms occurred at the rate of three per minute and that understanding these idioms were essential to understanding the overall plot of the program. Because slang and idioms are such a big part of the conversational language, it would be very difficult for someone new to the language to understand movies, TV shows, news and even a typical conversation. They would feel frustrated and uncomfortable speaking to a native speaker. Another reason why these expressions should be taught is that slang and idioms are used in the corporate world. Students who are taught slang and idioms are better speakers and negotiators and therefore will be in a much better position to take advantage of the opportunities that come their way. Finally, slang and idioms are fun to learn and can be very fun to teach. When teaching slang and Idioms, there are certain things the teacher should keep in mind. First, the instructor should choose slang and idiomatic expressions that are frequently used. If teaching lower lever classes, the teacher should keep in mind to choose expressions that are not contrary to vocabulary and grammar that the students were taught. Second, the teacher should lead discussions on the figurative language including idioms, metaphors, and similes. The purpose would be to show the students why they are used in speech and writing. Third, the teacher should design activities that force the students to practice using these expressions. One activity is retelling stories, where the teacher tells a story containing several idioms and the students have to retell it or write it down trying to use as many of the expressions as they can. Another method is having the students come up with short skits using as many idioms as they can. The students could also practice these expressions through games, such as Charades. teachers should not hesitate to teach slang and idioms. Idioms and slang words are an important part of learning a new language. Learning these expressions make it easier for the students to have a conversation with a native english speaker and would help them understand better when they read or listen to the media. There are many ways of teaching these expression. Every teacher should find an efficient and effective method that suits his or her own teaching style. But one thing the teacher should remember is not to overwhelm the students with too many words at once. Cooper, T.C. (1998), "Teaching Idioms", Foreign Language Annals, 31, 2, 255-266. Pollio, H. R.; Barlow, J. M.; Fine, H. J. & Pollio, M. R. (1977), "Psychology and the Poetics of Growth." Hillsdale, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates. Durst, Emily. “tefl Teaching Slang and Idioms.” The International tefl Corporation. (Apr., 2007). http://www.teflcorp.com/articles/78-tefl-teaching-slang-and-idioms/246-teaching-slang-and-idioms.htm


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