Episode 35 - A chat with Zdenek from Zdenek's English Podcast | DELTA, Native Speakerism & Dogme
Mar 10, 2022
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An engaging chat with Zdenek, an ESL teacher, covers topics like the use of L1 in the classroom, discrimination against non-native English teachers, the value of taking the DELTA, and even Zdenek's weird cat. They discuss teaching strategies, Delta certification, accent diversity, and balancing creativity with structure in teaching.
Utilizing communicative teaching methods and interactive activities can enhance student engagement and learning outcomes.
Creating a low-stress environment and incorporating games and interactive activities can optimize language acquisition and student motivation.
Avoiding overreliance on translation and implementing trans-languageing can support effective communication and long-term language learning.
Deep dives
Communicative Method and i + 1 Principle
The podcast discusses the importance of using the communicative method in teaching, emphasizing interactive group and pair work to engage students. Additionally, it highlights the i + 1 principle, where teachers aim to use language that is one level above the students' current level to challenge them effectively.
Effective Filter and Student Engagement
The episode touches on the effective filter concept, emphasizing the importance of creating a low-stress learning environment for students to optimize language acquisition. It also delves into student engagement strategies, such as using games and interactive activities to keep students involved and motivated.
Avoiding Translation and Trans-Languageing Approach
The discussion cautions against the overreliance on translation in language teaching, suggesting that it can hinder long-term language learning. It introduces the concept of trans-languageing, where learners may switch between languages to facilitate communication effectively, particularly beneficial for beginners or lower-level students.
Balancing Structure and Flexibility in Teaching Methods
The podcast emphasizes the balance between structured approaches like communicative teaching and the flexibility to adapt methods to suit students' needs. It explores the value of incorporating diverse teaching strategies while maintaining a focus on learner-centered and engaging practices.
Teaching Approach: Dogme Method vs. Coursebook
The podcast discusses the Dogme teaching approach compared to using coursebooks. Dogme encourages an unstructured approach without a lesson plan, focusing on emerging language during natural conversations. In contrast, the traditional coursebook method provides a structured format, acting as either a life vest or a straight jacket for teachers based on their experience level. The podcast highlights the benefits of adopting elements of the Dogme approach gradually to promote more creativity and flexibility in teaching.
Lexical Learning: Chunk-based Language Acquisition
The podcast explores lexical learning as a method of language acquisition, emphasizing learning in chunks rather than focusing solely on grammatical rules. This approach involves understanding collocations, idioms, and phrasal verbs as lexical chunks that go together, promoting functional language use. Lexical teaching prioritizes pattern grammar over strict grammar explanations, allowing learners to grasp language structures through contextual understanding rather than formal analysis.
Should we use L1 in the English classroom?
Is there a problem with discrimination against non-native English teachers?
Is taking the Cambridge DELTA a good idea?
Why is Zdenek's cat so weird ... and it's not even his cat?
As an ESL teacher, I'm sure you've asked yourself these questions before. (OK, maybe not the cat one.)
In this chat with English teacher Zdenek, we discuss all these things and more.
An interview with an ESL teacher, by an ESL teacher for ESL teachers.
Enjoy!
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