TEFL Glossary

See adverbs

The emphasis placed on certain words within a sentence affects the overall meaning.

From Krashen's L2A theories and Terrell's Natural Approach, this is the idea that second language learners should be allowed to have a silent period when they first start learning. This means they are not forced to speak until they are ready.

The Silent Way teaching method takes its name from the fact that the teacher is supposed to be almost completely silent. The approach was developed by Egyptian educationalist Caleb Gattengo. The teacher is a facilitator rather than an instructor; s/he sets the students problems,  which they have to solve cooperatively by communicating with each other. There is a strong emphasis on pronunciation and coloured pronunciation charts. Cuisenaire rods are used to prompt students' language.

Simulations are a language learning model which allows students to express themselves to their peers in a group setting, groups comprising usually three or four. They are similar to role plays, but the student keeps their own character.  Simulations also usually involve the whole class in a discussion or task.

It is also called the Oral Approach. It is an approach that teaches language in context, helping students learn through practical situations.

See four skills.

Skim reading, or skimming is when we look through a text quickly just to get the gist - a general idea of what is being said. For example, imagine you were choosing a book to read in the airport shop shortly before going to catch a flight., you would probably skim through the 'blurbs' on the back covers of the books you are considering. 

See error.