Unit 27: Using language appropriately for a range of classroom functions

Teachers´ language in the EFL classroom is one of the main inputs learners get, it must suit the language functions, which are the purposes of using language by stating an exponent. By being aware of the language and functions we use in the class in order to suit our students, we will be using language appropriately. Thus this blog entry will cover three useful language functions that will help teachers to optimize the teaching – learning process.

The first function is getting learners´ attention, this function will help the teacher with classroom management , it is used at the beginning of a sequence  as for example when we change from a speaking activity to a listening one, then we will need phrases as “Ok, listen please”. A second function is modeling, as I said before as teachers we will be the main learning resource for learners. When a teacher models a clear example of the target language will be provided to students. It can be in two ways oral or written, by these two students will notice what structure they should use to complete an activity.  Last but not least encouraging and instructing, these functions will give confidence to students whenever they have to participate in class, utterances as “ Very good, just say it a bit louder” will make students feel positive about what they are doing; we can even have to tell them what to do by using “ now match the word in column A to its definition in column B”.

                As a future teacher I have realized that language functions are vital in the class we have to use the right exponents for our audience, context and for what we want to express, thus students will get a clear and direct message.

For additional information check:  K. Kinsella (2010), Sweetwater District-Wide Academic Support Teams.  Retrieved from http://www.htsb.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/Academic-Language-Functions-toolkit.pdf
Mingzhi Z (2014) Influence of English Teachers’ Classroom English on Students’ Learning Enthusiasm in Junior High School. International Journal of Humanities and Social Science  . Retrieved from http://www.ijhssnet.com/journals/Vol_4_No_6_1_April_2014/29.pdf