In most parts of the world, English is often taught as a dead language, without conversation. This is because, first of all, grammar is worked on theoretically, then writing, reading, and finally, speaking.
Speech is the most neglected part. On many occasions, even the teacher makes mistakes in pronunciation and conversation while teaching the student. Or the opposite happens, the student speaks badly and the teacher does not correct them.
These are recurring problems in English teaching, which sometimes discourage students.
How does the methodology of the conversation classes work?
The purpose of online English conversation classes is to improve students’ speaking fluency. The idea is that they will be able to speak like a native speaker, taking into account pronunciation, fluency, and understanding of the language so that students lose their fear of speaking.
One of the most common mistakes of this methodology is to focus on free and unguided conversations. This helps to lose the fear of speaking, to prepare for any situation in life. However, it is not simply the fact of losing the fear of speaking but performing correctly in the use of the language.
In order to speak correctly, it is necessary to correct pronunciation errors frequently, to teach the student to listen and correct themselves , and to put words together to achieve native-like pronunciation. In addition, it will allow the students to easily understand conversations and be fluent when expressing themselves.
Today, learning English is no longer an option; it is a necessity for better job opportunities and a better quality of life.
The International Iberoamerican University (UNIB) in Puerto Rico offers the Master in Teaching English as a Foreign Language.
