CELTA TEACHING VOCABULARY PART 2

Understanding Elicitation in Language Teaching

What is Elicitation?

• Elicitation, as defined by the British Council, refers to techniques that encourage learners to provide information rather than receiving it directly from the teacher.

• It involves procedures that prompt students to actively produce speech or writing, fostering a more interactive learning environment.

Principles and Advantages of Eliciting from Students

• Activates prior knowledge: Students bring valuable background knowledge into the classroom, which should be utilized constructively.

• Checks existing knowledge: Eliciting allows teachers to assess what students already know before introducing new concepts.

• Enhances memorability: Engaging students through questions promotes self-discovery, making information retention easier.

• Fosters a student-centered environment: Encourages active participation and links new information with existing knowledge for better understanding.

Tools for Effective Elicitation

• Input is essential: Teachers must provide prompts or input to stimulate student responses effectively.

• Various tools can be used for elicitation, including visuals (pictures), realia (real-life objects), modeling language structures, and texts or listening activities.

Steps for Successful Elicitation

Order of Stages in Eliciting Language

• Convey meaning first: Use definitions or visuals to establish the meaning of new words before eliciting them from students.

• Allow thinking time after prompting students for answers; if they struggle, model the correct pronunciation yourself.

Importance of Concept Checking

• Concept checking ensures that students understand the meaning before attempting to use new vocabulary. This builds their confidence in using the language correctly.

Pronunciation and Writing Techniques

• Provide clear oral models of words so that students can hear proper pronunciation before repeating it themselves.

• Drill vocabulary both collectively and individually; this helps reinforce learning before introducing written forms on the board.

Conclusion on Effective Elicitation Practices

Key Takeaways

• Establishing clear meanings through visuals or definitions is crucial for effective elicitation.

• Concept checking helps ensure comprehension and boosts student confidence when using new vocabulary.

• Focus on pronunciation first before writing down words; avoid distractions during this process.