Observation Table, Task 1:
Reasons for speaking in the classroom
Class:Five
Number of learners:30
Length of lesson: 45 minutes
Teacher observed:
Language Learning Goals: To know when the students use any and some.
Materials used: Pupil's book
Reason for speaking
Learner Learner Learner
A
B
C
Learner repeats word(s) after teacher
- (whole class together)
Learner repeats word(s) after teacher
- (group / pair together)
Learner repeats word / phrase after teacher
- (individual )
XXX
Learner answers direct question from teacher
XX
XXXX
Learner answers open question from teacher
Learner asks teacher a question
XX
XX
XX
Learner answers a partner in English
- (pair/ group work activity)
Learner answers a partner in Arabic
- (pair/ group work activity)
XXXX
XX
Learner speaks to the teacher informally
- (Add E for English; A for Arabic)
EA
EA
10
Other reason(s) for speaking
After the Observation
Write your answers in the boxes:
What was the most common reason for speaking?
Direct answers
What was the least common reason for speaking?
Repeat the phrase
Were there any boxes with no ticks?
repeating the words (Whole class and group) because the lessons not focus on the
vocabulary. It focus the most on grammar and phrase.
- Learner answers a partner in English. I think because the teacher didn't focus on
students talking with partners in English.
How much of the lesson was spent on the teacher using Teacher Talk, in your
opinion?
Less than 20 minutes.
Do you feel it was too much / too little / just the right amount of talk? Why / Why
not?
Just the right amount of talk. The teacher has balanced the talking and the listening.
What do you think is an appropriate sequence of interaction patterns?
It develop their speaking by make them practice their second language.
Share different ideas and information through interaction.
Now consider how much Arabic was used. Do you think it was used appropriately?
Why? / Why not?
I think they talk half of the time in Arabic and other half time in English.
Because they talk mostly with the teacher in English because one of her rules is to talk
in English to get high mark.
When they work their partners they talk in Arabic.
Extra reflection
You do not have to do this activity. However, if you want a higher grade, you must do it. If you are
interested in thinking about this subject more, consider the following reflection.
Reflection
Choose one of the following:
A. Why is talk important?
for teachers? It is important to make the lesson easier. teacher
talk mostly when she explain the lesson, giving examples and
teach them different manners.
for learners? (Think about the What and How.) To show their
understanding, express their ideas and engage with the lesson.
B. Why is it important to think about using English for varied purposes in the
classroom?