Chris Cotter

Four Steps for Better ESL Speaking Activities

Mastery of English as a foreign language is often measured by the speaking skills of the students. The students may write well, for example, or get high marks on tests. But if they can't express ideas or instructions clearly in a conversation, few would c... Read >

The Whys of ESL Warm Ups

Not enough time attention is given to warming up ESL students. Teachers spend a lot of time planning explanations and printables to introduce and practice some pre-determined language point or skill. But when it comes time to enter the class, teachers pul... Read >

How to Conduct Listening Activities in the ESL Classroom

Far too many ESL students will say that listening is difficult and is their weakest skill. After all, they can't control the pace, choice of vocabulary, phrases, and grammar, and the inflection or intonation. The listener has only one chance to catch the ... Read >

Put Students in Pairs: How to Get Students to Speak in the ESL Classroom

The amount and quality of conversation increases when students work in pairs. For example, a ten-minute speaking activity with just two students would mean each person has roughly five minutes of talk time. Compare this with a group of five people who, in... Read >