Tag Archives: teaching speaking

AI for Language Learning: ChatGPT and the Future of ELT

Brent Warner
Brent Warner

On the last day of November 2022, OpenAI, an artificial intelligence research lab, launched ChatGPT into the world, and launched an avalanche of concern, curiosity, fear, and hope all at once. For those who haven’t been watching, ChatGPT is a … Continue reading

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Online Answering Machines for Speaking and Listening: Leave a Message After the Beep!

Brent Warner
Brent Warner

It’s always fun to explore shiny new tech with your students, but we should always remember that the classics never go out of style. Over the years, I’ve fretted over the best ways to get students’ voices recorded and put … Continue reading

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3 Activities to Practice “if…would” Statements

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

During the pandemic, we have all dreamed of doing things that we can’t, like going outside or traveling to see family. But even when COVID-19 restrictions are finally lifted, there will always be activities we can only imagine. Who wouldn’t … Continue reading

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5 Things to Talk About in ESL Class

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

Sometimes the biggest challenge in a speaking class is running out of things to talk about! This month, I’d like to share some ideas that get the conversation going. These activities are all appropriate for online or in-person classes.

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7 Steps to Increasing Active Spoken Vocabulary

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

Most students have a much larger passive than active vocabulary, but increasing active spoken vocabulary can be difficult. Though using new words in writing is lower stakes than in speaking, with only peer review partners and the teacher seeing potential … Continue reading

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4 Activities to Practice Simple Past and Present Perfect

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

English has 12 tenses: the simple, progressive, perfect, and perfect progressive forms of past, present, and future. Fortunately, the students in my intermediate speaking classes can communicate their ideas clearly with only seven: three simple, three progressive, and present perfect. … Continue reading

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6 Tips for Teaching Impromptu Speaking

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

ELs are often called on to speak extemporaneously in content classes. They might be asked to outline a scientific process, explain a literary term, or compare two historical events. Having to speak without preparation can be stressful, even in your … Continue reading

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6 Tips for Successful Online Presentations

A. C. Kemp
A. C. Kemp

Few activities in the ESL speaking class are as challenging for students as presentations. Giving one can be overwhelming because it involves so many different skills—from fluency, pronunciation, and grammar to clear organization and smooth delivery. Giving a presentation online … Continue reading

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