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First, let's talk about what Talk a Lot Spoken English Course is not. It's not actually software. It's a 168-page PDF. So if you're looking for audio, video, or even color pictures, keep looking. You're not going to find it here.
Talk a Lot is not designed for self-study. The instructions make it clear that it's meant to be used in a classroom setting with an instructor, and the course relies heavily upon class discussion, show-and-tell activities, and small group work. This is a book for teachers, not students. Users may find that the course provides an innovative approach to ESL instruction, focusing strongly on speaking (and thinking) in English. The course provides detailed instructions to teachers on how to use the method, including sample dialogues between teacher and student to illustrate the course in action. The heart of the course consists of a sort of miniconversation built around a specific verb tense. This exercise forces students to think through scenarios in English and become comfortable using different verb tenses without the drudgery of grammar lessons. Vocabulary is woven through the course and grouped in themes such as town, home, work, and clothes.
Although the course focuses on speaking English, it also supplies quizzes and worksheets, as well as certificates of completion for course participants. The lone English-learner is not likely to gain much from this course, but ESL instructors looking for free course materials may find that Talk a Lot is just what they need.
What do you need? * You must use have a computer with an Internet connection (the faster the better) and a good quality sound card. * To join in with my group you should join the Learn English forum. * You will need to install the free iVisit software (follow the instructions on their web site). I do not give technical support for the installation of the software, but they do. Make sure your settings are correct before you enter the room. * Use the Classic version of the software as it's much easier to install and simpler to use (as recommended by Genji on the help desk). * To hear the conversations you will need a good pair of headphones (or computer speakers). * To talk you will also need a good quality microphone. * JD has written a very good guide to iVisit here.
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When is the room open?
The room is available 24/7, but I am not. There is a calendar of times I will be online here. All times are:-
*CET = Central European Time
You can click here to calculate the time in your city/country, www.timeanddate.com/worldclock - choose the city of Frankfurt for the time to convert from.
You are not limited to visiting just my group. If I am not open at a time to suit you try a group that is.
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What is the room called?
Each room on iVisit is given a different name. My room is under Education - Language Schools - Your Teacher Online. To get the password you must be a member of the forum and have at least introduced yourself (this is for security).
Login or if you don't have a iVisit account follow the instructions online (it's free).
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When am I in the room?
I moderate the room at the times on the calendar (see the forum), I try to open the room for at least two hours per week.
I can't promise I will always be there on the same day or at the same time, but I do try.
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What do we do?
Mondays are dedicated to reading out loud, role playing or even a bit of drama.
Wednesdays are used for discussions and listening practice, this means active listening, so be prepared to answer questions.
Sessions and topics can be requested by forum members. During the sessions we usually start with a topic. This can involve an article or short skit to get people to speak out loud. I then give feedback on English pronunciation and English speaking skills. Hopefully we then discuss the article and this gives everyone the chance to speak English freely.
When you enter the room for the first time check what we're doing, and then if it's appropriate, type "Hi" in the chat window.
If you want to speak type "mic" in the chat window and I'll call you to take the microphone. Then introduce yourself by pressing Ctrl on your keyboard or the mic symbol in your iVisit window and speaking into the mic (keep Ctrl pressed).
We type 111 to show we can hear you - 222 means we can't hear you - 2121 means your sound is breaking up.
What level is the group aimed at?
As this is to practice conversation I expect the groups to find their own level,
You'll see on the calendar that on Fridays (TGIF) I meet up on Skype with members of the forum in a special room. Here some members of the forum are invited to come along to relax and just chat about anything. Access to the room is by invitation only.
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Maggie Teacher's English Lessonby Mobekimasukidesu6,058 views
i like amber
yvette74731 9 months ago
I WONDER IF THEY HAVE THEIR SCRIPTS ON THE DESKS IN FRONT OF THEM.
sleepyasthesouth 1 year ago