Speaking Boards
Intended students:
This activity is designed for TOEFL prep students, though by changing the discussion questions it can be adapted for any level students in a speaking or integrated skills course.
Time needed: 20-30 minutes
Objectives:
Procedure:
EXAMPLE:
In Questions 1 and 2 you will be asked to give an opinion or explanation related to a familiar topic.
1. Teacher/Narrator: Read the question. Take notes on the main points of your response. Then, respond to the question.
What do you think your life will look like after retirement? Use reasons and details to support your response.
Preparation time: 15 seconds
Response time: 45 seconds
2. Teacher/Narrator: Read the question. Take notes on the main points of your response. Then, respond to the question.
Would you prefer to study in a classroom or take an online course? Use reasons and details to support your response.
Preparation time: 15 seconds
Response time: 45 seconds
Material:
Computer with internet and microphone capability
Registration with Voxopop website
Discussion questions appropriate for speaking class or TOEFL prep
Evaluation:
In class, the speaking portion of the TOEFL test should be reviewed and scaffolded. Students will likely practice this activity at home or at a computer lab as they need a quiet place to record their responses online. Give verbal feedback on the discussion board to help them better practice and hone their future responses with clarity of thought and comprehensibility.
References:
This activity is designed for TOEFL prep students, though by changing the discussion questions it can be adapted for any level students in a speaking or integrated skills course.
Time needed: 20-30 minutes
Objectives:
- To motivate students through use of technology
- To respond appropriately and thoroughly to discussion prompts
- To practice clear pronunciation
- To practice listening to and interacting with other speakers of English
Procedure:
- Sign up with Voxopop to create an account and classroom discussion board for you and your students.
- Create the class discussion board. Check your audio recording device to know that it is properly set up for recording. Also, be sure to invite students via email if you choose to make it a private board.
- Choose and record discussion questions or prompts from the speaking portion of the TOEFL exam.
EXAMPLE:
In Questions 1 and 2 you will be asked to give an opinion or explanation related to a familiar topic.
1. Teacher/Narrator: Read the question. Take notes on the main points of your response. Then, respond to the question.
What do you think your life will look like after retirement? Use reasons and details to support your response.
Preparation time: 15 seconds
Response time: 45 seconds
2. Teacher/Narrator: Read the question. Take notes on the main points of your response. Then, respond to the question.
Would you prefer to study in a classroom or take an online course? Use reasons and details to support your response.
Preparation time: 15 seconds
Response time: 45 seconds
Material:
Computer with internet and microphone capability
Registration with Voxopop website
Discussion questions appropriate for speaking class or TOEFL prep
Evaluation:
In class, the speaking portion of the TOEFL test should be reviewed and scaffolded. Students will likely practice this activity at home or at a computer lab as they need a quiet place to record their responses online. Give verbal feedback on the discussion board to help them better practice and hone their future responses with clarity of thought and comprehensibility.
References:
- Voxopop website: www.voxopop.com
- TOEFL speaking sample questions: http://www.englishclub.com/esl-exams/ets-toefl-practice-speaking.htm