In this two-part course, participants will learn teaching techniques and activities to support learners in becoming more comfortable and confident with English pronunciation.
Please note: You will access Zoom and other support materials via Blackboard. You cannot access this online course through the SABES website. You will receive a separate email from Joanne Harrington at Quinsigamond Community College 1-2 days before the course begins with instructions on how to access the Blackboard course and Zoom session. If you do not receive these instructions, please check your Spam folder and/or email jharrington@qcc.mass.edu
- ESOL teachers who are interested in integrating pronunciation into their everyday classes and who are able to participate actively in Zoom by voice and video
This professional development activity/course is designed for:
English pronunciation is a challenge for teachers and learners alike! In order for learners to be able to add the features of English pronunciation to their speaking toolbox, they need explicit instruction so that they can hear and produce the target sounds and rhythms. In this two-part training, you will learn about techniques for teaching pronunciation that will be helpful for learners from a variety of language backgrounds and ESOL levels. You will learn and multisensory activities that can be used during in-person or remote instruction that go far beyond "listen and repeat". The training will also discuss the importance of focusing on intelligibility in contrast to accent reduction, and provide suggestions for incorporating the techniques and activities into existing curriculum rather than stand-alone classes.
In Part 1 (a two-hour facilitated session on Thursday, December 9, 3:30-5:30pm), we will dive into ways to teach and practice the sounds of English, including minimal pairs, articulatory settings, final consonant productions, and consonant clusters.
In Part 2 (a two-hour facilitated session on Friday, December 17, 12:00-2:00pm), we will go above and beyond the sounds to explore ways to teach and practice the rhythms of English, including word stress, thought groups, and intonation.
Come prepared to try a variety of engaging activities with your teaching colleagues, and leave with ideas that you can implement immediately!
- Explain to learners how learning about and practicing the targeted pronunciation features will make it easier for listeners to understand their English
- Incorporate engaging pronunciation activities that focus on the sounds and rhythms of English into your existing routines and classroom instruction
- Explain to learners and colleagues the concept of accent addition rather than accent deletion
Upon completion of this professional development activity/course, you will be able to:
United States
