advance Enlish research trungtin please give your precious comments

Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin I REASONS FOR CHOOSING THE RESEARCH The pressing and necessity of the research After spending many years teaching English at a high school in a mountainous area, I find that our students are very weak at speaking English They learn English for exams, not for communication Therefore, our school set up an English Speaking Club a year ago to help our students have a good ability to improve their English speaking skill through some activities of the English Speaking Club At the club they can speak English on a certain topic In addition, we provide some activities for our students to entertain such as games, songs, etc What is new in the theme? An English Speaking Club at a high school is not really new to all of us, but it is really new to our students in a mountainous area They study English at school with a very limited time to be able to speak English well Besides, they not have many chances to practice speaking English with their friends and teachers Especially, we have a special co-operation with some foreigners to help us organize the club successfully They are native speakers and very happy to work with our students Therefore, our students have many chances to practice speaking with the native speakers II THE REAL SITUATION BEFORE APPLYING THE SOLUTIONS OF THE RESEARCH Advantages - The English teachers at our school are very keen on helping the students improve their English speaking skill - Some students at our school are fond of learning English - Some foreigners voluntarily help us to organize the club - Our school has enough equipment for holding an English Speaking Club - Our club is highly appreciated by the school staff Disadvantages - Generally speaking, our students are still weak at English They not like to learn English much because it is not the subject that they need to concentrate on for the entrance Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin university exam They prefer natural science subjects to English, so it is very difficult for us to improve our students’ English - The number of students in a class is not appropriate for an English speaking class Students not have enough time to practice speaking English - Our students are not confident to express their ideas in English before the class They are so shy - Our students are familiar with learning English for exams, not for communication As a result, they are unable to speak English well - Living in a mountainous area, our students not have a good environment for using English They slight the importance of English nowadays, so they not spend much time for English The Statistical number - Before we started our English Speaking Club, our students had had many difficulties in speaking English They mainly practiced speaking English in speaking classes which were very limited in time Nearly 95% of the students agree with our club’s activities III THE CONTENTS OF THE RESEARCH Bases for reasoning a Scientific viewpoint about the research To help our students have a good place to relax after hard work at school, we organize some activities in the English Speaking Club such as giving them a topic to talk about, playing some games, singing English songs, or exchanging ideas with friends, teachers and some native speakers I think these activities will be very useful to our students because they come to the club with the love of English and we encourage them to speak English all the time at the club There, they can practice speaking English in groups or expressing their own ideas before the crowd with great confident This is the thing that all we need for our students b Difficult problems - At first we had some small difficulties in encouraging the students to participate in the club’s activities As we know our students in a mountainous area with a few chances to practice speaking English with other people, so they not have much confident in speaking English They are afraid of making too many mistakes while speaking Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin - We can not help all the students at school take part in the club because they are too crowded We only select some good students from each class to participate in the club They are good at English, but they have fewer opportunities in improving their speaking skills - Our school has so many extracurricular activities for students that we can only hold the club two or three times in a semester The contents of solutions for the research a Applied contents of the research We improve our students’ English speaking skill through some activities in the club With the hope that our students can speak English more better in daily life Here are some activities that we have used in the club: - We give our students a topic with an outline to help them to prepare some ideas for the talk at home about a week before we start the club meeting - An English teacher or a native speaker will guide students to talk about the topic - We also use some real pictures for the topic of the talk - We divide the students into small groups for discussion - The students exchange their own ideas with teachers and native speakers about the topic - We prepare some games in English by using PowerPoint like General Knowledge Quiz Games with nice gifts for the winners - Besides the games, we have some English songs for students to sing together or sing karaoke b What is new in the research? - Apart from practicing English in the classroom, students can practice speaking English more and more in a real situation in the club They will be more confident in their English This will be a big motivation for not only the good students but also the weak ones -With a variety of the topics students have the opportunities to learn more from each topic -With the help of some native speakers our students can speak English more fluently Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin -Especially, some native speakers work at Dao Tien Endangered Species Rescue Center in Cat Tien National Park in Dong Nai, so they also propagate the awareness of protecting endangered animals among students c Solutions and demonstration -To help our students improve their English Speaking skill, we designs some activities for students to practice speaking English during the talk in the club Moreover, we introduce some topics about grammatical points in the textbook to consolidate our students’ English knowledge -To make the club more successful we have invited some native speakers from Dao Tien Endangered species Rescue Center to help us organize the talk in the English Speaking Club As we have mentioned above, organizing an English speaking club at a high school is nothing special, but for us and our students it is really different -Following is an example of our meeting for a topic in the English Speaking Club English Speaking Club - Sunday, November, 14 th, 2010 THANH BINH HIGH SCHOOL English Speaking Club Sunday, Nov, 14th, 2010 Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin TOPIC: Giving and Responding to Compliments 7:15 – 7:30: Set up & preparation 7:30 - 7:35: Welcome participants 7:35 – 7:40: Warm - up activities (Introduction among members in each group; group introduction to all of participants) 7:40 – 7:55 Music Conner (Mr Tin) 7:55 – 8:00: Introduction of the topic (Mr Hoc or Mr Can) 8:00 – 8:30: Topic teaching (Mr Can or Miss Wendy or Miss Stephanie) 8:30 – 9:00: Group discussion (Groups discuss some questions about the topic), then each group send a representative to make presentation 9:00 – 9:10: Presentation of special guests about the topic 9:10 – 9:30: Questions and Answers between guests, teachers and participants 9:30 – 9:45: Game show( Mr Can or Mr.Tin) 9:45 – 10:00: Sharing moments (Participants share their thoughts, feelings, and expectations about the Club) 10:00 – 10:15: Ending speech (Show a short funny film or pictures of the club’s activities or a lovely song to say goodbye.) Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin TOPIC Giving and Responding to Compliments How To Give A Good Compliment There’s nothing like a warm, sincere compliment to make your day Instead of waiting for one, why not give one out? Take it from me, the more you give, the more you find you’ll receive 1) Make your compliment specific “That necklace looks really good on you” makes a bigger impact compared to “you look really good today” The more specific the better, it makes the person feel like you notice them 2) Back up your compliment Don’t just stop at “that necklace looks really good on you” Your compliment becomes stronger when you say why you think so; “that necklace looks really good on you because it matches your eyes” Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin 3) Ask a question with your compliment And if you want to use it as a conversational starter, ask a question about the subject of your compliment; “that necklace looks really good on you because it matches your eyes Where did you find it?” Why Giving Compliments Raises Your Self-Esteem It takes confidence and self-esteem to notice good things about others and to make the first caring move to tell them about it When I first started giving compliments I was awkward and shy about it I kept wondering if I’d offend them in some way or make people suspicious about what I wanted from them I’ve since discovered that a sincere compliment is always a welcome boost to someone’s day There will be those that reject it or will even argue with you, but that’s usually their problem and not yours A compliment is like a gift, if someone doesn’t want your gift you’ll still end up owning it The best way to accept one is also like a gift, just say ‘thank you’ You’ll also find when you start noticing good things about people; you’ll notice more good things about you too! And the more you do, the more your own self-esteem will grow Giving Compliments Educational Objective: The student will express a compliment to someone in an appropriate way Language Arts Standard: Listening and Speaking • Identify Need *It is extremely important that the students have been taught the concept of registers and that giving compliments needs to follow the guidelines of levels in order to be appropriate A student, for example, would not compliment the principal for doing one of the functions of his job A student doesn't have the qualifications to make evaluative remarks *It is equally important that the students learn that we compliment people on what they have done, not for something over which they hadn't any control Compliments are not given for physical features of an individual, such as "You have a beautiful shade of skin." Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin One may, however, give a compliment about what someone has done to enhance their appearance if you are talking with an friend "That color of lipstick really is attractive on you." "I like what you've done with your hair." *Giving compliments of a personal or physical nature to a member of the opposite sex may be misinterpreted as being offensive • Introductory Activity • Define Steps and Sequences of Skill Look at the person and use their name Choose something that is appropriate to compliment Use a sincere tone of voice State the reason for the compliment "I like the way you played the game because you used an awesome strategy." Did the speaker close the conversation by saying "You're welcome" in response to the listener's "Thank you?" Teacher Resource Compliment Formulas Top three compliment formulas Noun Phrase + is/look + (really) + Adjective Your blouse is really beautiful Your hair looks great! I + (really) + like/love + Noun Phrase I really like your dress I love your new apartment Pronoun + is + (really) + Adjective + Noun Phrase That's a really nice rug That's a great looking car Additional six formula examples: You have such beautiful hair What a lovely baby you have! Isn't your ring beautiful! You (really) did a good job! Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin You (really) handled that situation well! Nice game! Compliment Response Formulas 1.Responses to compliments Response types A: That's a nice shirt you are wearing! B: Well, I just got it It was pretty cheap.-> downgrading A: You did an excellent job yesterday, Jim! I really enjoyed your presentation B: Do you really think so?-> questioning A: Oh, yeah, it was fabulous A: I love your clock It looks great in your living room! B: Thanks A friend of mine brought it to me from Oregon -> shifting credit A: You're looking well! B: Thanks So are you! -> returning Other Responses to Compliments - You're too kind (Formal) (Compliment: The dinner was delicious) - Thank you for saying so (Compliment: You did a fine job on the report) - I appreciate the compliment (Compliment: That's a beautiful belt!) - Thank you I'm glad you like it (Compliment: Your hair looks nice.) - Thank you I'm glad you enjoyed it (Compliment: The cake was wonderful.) - Thank you I'm glad you think so (Compliment: Your car drives great!) - Thanks I like your car, too (Return the compliment) GROUPS’ PRACTCE PRACTICE Read each compliment and response Then change the rejection to a more gracious, accepting response You can show that you disagree, but don't be so negative EXAMPLE: -Abdulla: You're a great dancer, Doris! I wish I could half as well as you! - (Reject) Doris: You've got to be bidding! I'm an awful dancer! - (Accept) Doris: Thanks, Abdulla That's nice of you to say so, but sometimes I don't feel I'm very good at all! Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin Tom: Your necklace is pretty, Pat Is it sterling silver? (Reject) Pat: Oh, I've had this old thing for years Uh, it's not real silver (Accept) Pat: ……………………………………………………… Jamal: You look really nice tonight, Vicki (Reject) Vicki: No, I don't! I look as awful as I feel! (Accept) Vicki:…………………………………… Janet: I thought your tennis game was a lot better today, Anne! (Reject) Anne: You've got to be kidding! I thought it was terrible! (Accept) Anne:……………………………………………… Frank: Your new hairstyle is quite attractive, Mary (Reject) Mary: I hate it, Frank I think it makes me look 10 years older! (Accept) Mary:………………………………………………………… Earl: Chen, this chicken dish is very nice! I really wish you'd make it more often! (Reject) Chen: I think it tastes terrible, Earl! I put too much salt in it and I didn't cook it long enough! (Accept) Chen:…………………………………………………… 10 Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin Compliments on Appearance 1- Robert: You really have beautiful eyes, Barbara I've never seen such a gorgeous shade of blue -Barbara: Thank you, Robert That's a nice compliment 2- Abdulla: Gosh, you look great, Beverly! Have you lost weight? - Beverly: That's nice of you to notice- I've lost about ten pounds, but I still need to lose another or 3- Gene: Your new hairstyle is terrific, Cindy! -Cindy: Thanks, Gene I think I've finally found a style that looks decent and is easy to handle PRACTICE Here are some aspects of a person's physical or personal appearance Make a compliment for each, and then have the person respond to it in a polite way Jose's new haircut You:………………………………………… Jose:………………………………………… Carol's pretty lipstick You:………………………………………… Carol:……………………………………… Ahmed's appearance (He's wearing formal clothes to a dance) You:………………………………………… Ahmed:……………………………………… Karen's long, pretty fingernails You:………………………………………… Karen:……………………………………… Compliments on Skills or Talents 1- Pat: I didn't know you could play the guitar so well, Nak Your song was lovely! -Nak: Thanks, Pat I'm glad you enjoyed it 2- Yumi: Joe, your backhand is getting stronger every time we play! Joe: Do you really think so? I've been practicing every day, and I'm pleased you can see an improvement 11 Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin 3-Jose: - You know, Jack, your English is much better than most Americans' Jack: - Thanks, Jose, but really mine's not so good I make a lot of mistakes just like most people Compliments on Work Accomplished 1- Millie: You did a fine job on the room, Mike I don't think I've never seen it that clean! Mike: Oh, it was nothing I'm glad I could help 2- Mr Jones: Congratulations, Barry! That report you wrote was excellent! I'd like to use it as a model at the staff meeting Friday -Barry: Thank you, Mr Jones I'd be flattered for you to use it 3- Wang: I don't know how you did it, Carl, but the stereo works beautifully now You deserve a medal for your work Carl: It wasn't hard at all I'm electronics major, you remember? Compliments on Possessions 1- Abdal: Your new sweater is very pretty, Sue -Sue: Thank you My sister gave it to me for my birthday I like yours, too Is it new? 2- Yoko: Your house is lovely! I especially like what you've done to the front yard -Lynn: Really? That's nice of you to say so 3- Arthur: You know, I like your new glasses, Bob I don't know exactly what it is but they make you look older Bob: Thanks I take that as a compliment, I guess I think they help my new image as a banker, don't you PRACTICE Compliment each of the following people on their possessions Then your partner should reply politely and graciously Diana's new blouse You:………………………………………………………… Diana:………………………………………………………… Hernando's sailboat You:………………………………………………………… Hernando:…………………………………………………… 12 Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin Betty's briefcase You:…………………………………………………………… Betty:…………………………………………………………… Aziz's new running shoes You:………………………………………………………… Aziz:………………………………………………………… Satoshi's flower arrangement in her apartment You:………………………………………………………… Satoshi:…………………………………………………… IV RESULTS Gained benefits from the research Our English Speaking Club was set up a year ago, but what we have gained though some activities in the club are immeasurable Our students have improved their speaking skills clearly They are so confident in speaking English with their friends and their teachers in class We are very happy about this and we will continue maintaining our club Compared numbers Excellent students appreciate Good students appreciate Average students appreciate the club’s activities the club’s activities the club’s activities 100% 90% 60% Because the number of students in a class is about 45, so each class we can only choose from to ten students to participate in the club We hope to help these students who love English to improve their speaking skills They join the club with great enthusiasm V EXPERIENCE We know that to organize successfully an English Speaking Club at a high school is very difficult because beside the preparation for the lesson in classes, our teachers spend so much time on preparing for the club Therefore, we are unable to hold the club for three grades (10,11 and 12) separately We only organize the club meeting for the three grades at the same time This is really a big problem for us However, we are very proud of our club and our students 13 Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin VI CONCLUSION Problem generalization - To help our students improve their English Speaking Skills, we, as English teachers, should something for our school and our students Especially, we should set up an English Speaking club at our school with some useful activities to help them become interested in learning English and speaking English Suggestion - I think that the love of teaching English among the English teachers at schools is unlimited, so each high school should have an English Speaking Club to help improve our students’ English speaking skills Besides teachers and students at high schools can have opportunities to exchange relations or ideas about knowledge and life in English - The school should create more opportunities for us to maintain our club - The school should sponsor us some money to maintain our club’s activities I SHOULD LIKE TO THANK SOME FOREINERS FROM DAO TIEN AND ALL THE ENGLISH TEACHERS AT THANH BINH HIGH SCHOOL FOR ALL YOUR SPECIAL HELPS AND PRECIOUS COMMENTS ON MY RESEARCH * This is the first theme written in English, so if there are any mistakes in translation, please forgive me and give me your comments Thanks VII REFERENCE BOOKS/ MATERIALS Some documents from our English Speaking Club How to start an English speaking club Giving and responding compliment ( our club’s model topic) English speaking club at a high school Pictures of members in our club 14 [...]... SHOULD LIKE TO THANK SOME FOREINERS FROM DAO TIEN AND ALL THE ENGLISH TEACHERS AT THANH BINH HIGH SCHOOL FOR ALL YOUR SPECIAL HELPS AND PRECIOUS COMMENTS ON MY RESEARCH * This is the first theme written in English, so if there are any mistakes in translation, please forgive me and give me your comments Thanks VII REFERENCE BOOKS/ MATERIALS Some documents from our English Speaking Club How to start an English... for your work Carl: It wasn't hard at all I'm electronics major, you remember? Compliments on Possessions 1- Abdal: Your new sweater is very pretty, Sue -Sue: Thank you My sister gave it to me for my birthday I like yours, too Is it new? 2- Yoko: Your house is lovely! I especially like what you've done to the front yard -Lynn: Really? That's nice of you to say so 3- Arthur: You know, I do like your. .. know you could play the guitar so well, Nak Your song was lovely! -Nak: Thanks, Pat I'm glad you enjoyed it 2- Yumi: Joe, your backhand is getting stronger every time we play! Joe: Do you really think so? I've been practicing every day, and I'm pleased you can see an improvement 11 Thanh Binh High School Written by Le Trung Tin 3-Jose: - You know, Jack, your English is much better than most Americans'... make you look older Bob: Thanks I take that as a compliment, I guess I think they help my new image as a banker, don't you PRACTICE 3 Compliment each of the following people on their possessions Then your partner should reply politely and graciously 1 Diana's new blouse You:………………………………………………………… Diana:………………………………………………………… 2 Hernando's sailboat You:………………………………………………………… Hernando:……………………………………………………... shoes You:………………………………………………………… Aziz:………………………………………………………… 5 Satoshi's flower arrangement in her apartment You:………………………………………………………… Satoshi:…………………………………………………… IV RESULTS 1 Gained benefits from the research Our English Speaking Club was set up a year ago, but what we have gained though some activities in the club are immeasurable Our students have improved their speaking skills clearly They are so... a nice compliment 2- Abdulla: Gosh, you look great, Beverly! Have you lost weight? - Beverly: That's nice of you to notice- I've lost about ten pounds, but I still need to lose another 5 or 6 3- Gene: Your new hairstyle is terrific, Cindy! -Cindy: Thanks, Gene I think I've finally found a style that looks decent and is easy to handle PRACTICE 2 Here are some aspects of a person's physical or personal ... ALL YOUR SPECIAL HELPS AND PRECIOUS COMMENTS ON MY RESEARCH * This is the first theme written in English, so if there are any mistakes in translation, please forgive me and give me your comments. .. + is/look + (really) + Adjective Your blouse is really beautiful Your hair looks great! I + (really) + like/love + Noun Phrase I really like your dress I love your new apartment Pronoun + is +... Compliments How To Give A Good Compliment There’s nothing like a warm, sincere compliment to make your day Instead of waiting for one, why not give one out? Take it from me, the more you give, the more