Being able to work out the correct pronunciation of a word from the dictionary all on their own helps the learner to become autonomous and independent of any 'helpers' in real life situations.
So one of my revision exercises goes like this:
- I draw up a list of the new words recently encountered in class, but I do so exclusively in phonemic script.
- The class is divided into groups A and B. I hand out one list to each group. In their groups, students work out the 'real' form of their words. The teacher goes round checking for correctness.
- Then group A gets a separate copy of group B's phonemic word list. Group B students take turns making up a sentence using one of their words. Group A write down the sentence next to the relevant word on the list. The same procedure is used by group A testing their words on group B.
- We then make transparency copies of both lists, put them on the OHP, and in plenum check for correct spelling. Also in plenum, words are translated into their L1 equivalents.
Language Level
The revision exercise you've described is an innovative and interactive way to reinforce the learning of new vocabulary, particularly focusing on pronunciation and spelling. Here are some comments on the exercise:
1. **Phonemic Script Focus**: Using phonemic script to introduce new words is a great way to emphasize pronunciation from the outset. It requires students to engage with the sounds of the language rather than just the visual representation, which can be particularly beneficial for languages where pronunciation is not always intuitive from the spelling.
2. **Group Work**: Dividing the class into groups A and B encourages collaboration and peer learning. It allows students to work together to solve problems, which can enhance understanding and retention of the material.
3. **Cross-Group Testing**: The process of having each group test the other on their words adds an element of challenge and practical application. It not only tests the pronunciation and spelling but also the understanding of how the words can be used in context.
4. **Transparency Copies and Plenum Check**: Using transparency copies and an overhead projector (OHP) for a collective review is a traditional yet effective method for ensuring all students can see the corrections and participate in the discussion. It also allows for immediate feedback and correction.
5. **Translation into L1**: Including a step where words are translated into the students' first language (L1) can be very helpful for understanding the meaning and context of the new vocabulary. However, it's important to balance this with using the target language (L2) as much as possible to promote language immersion.
6. **Potential Challenges**: Some students may find the phonemic script challenging if they are not familiar with it. It might be beneficial to include a brief refresher or tutorial on how to read phonemic script before the exercise. Additionally, ensuring that all students are comfortable with the group dynamics and feel they can contribute equally is important for the success of the exercise.