What you will be able to do
- Give learners a reason to exchange meaning.
- Model the outcome, not every possible answer.
- Plan equal participation and useful monitoring.
- Repeat a task after selective feedback.
Activities for exchanging information
| Activity | Communication | Teaching note |
|---|---|---|
| Information gap | Ask for missing facts | Ensure each partner genuinely lacks information |
| Spot the difference | Describe and compare | Limit visible pointing when language is the goal |
| Find someone who | Ask follow-up questions | Require notes and one reported finding |
| Picture route | Give and follow directions | Use a new map for the final check |
Activities for developing ideas
| Activity | Communication | Teaching note |
|---|---|---|
| Opinion line | State and justify a position | Allow thinking and language preparation first |
| Ranking task | Negotiate priorities | Require one shared final ranking |
| Problem-solving cards | Propose and evaluate solutions | Assign evidence or constraints |
| Story circle | Extend a shared narrative | Use prompt cards to support coherence |
Activities for accuracy and fluency
| Activity | Communication | Teaching note |
|---|---|---|
| 4/3/2 retell | Repeat a message with less time | Keep the partner or audience changing |
| Role card repair | Resolve a misunderstanding | Give each learner a different constraint |
| Question ladder | Move from closed to open follow-ups | Track the quality of follow-up questions |
| Recorded retry | Compare two attempts | Use consent and delete recordings appropriately |
Make the activity produce useful evidence
Plan speaking stages with the lesson templateAdapt activities for mixed levels
- 1State the speaking outcome.
- 2Provide just enough language support.
- 3Demonstrate the interaction pattern.
- 4Set a product: decision, route, ranking or report.
- 5Monitor a narrow feature connected to the outcome.
- 6Give selective feedback and run a short retry.
Explore the complete training pathway
Connect practical teacher development to assessed training
Review the current CVTE® curriculum, live-course format, observed-practice pathway, assessment, fees and enrolment terms on the commercial programme page.
Useful answers
Frequently asked questions
How do I get quiet ESL students to speak?
Reduce risk with preparation, pairs, predictable routines and a clear purpose. Do not treat forced public performance as the only evidence of learning.
Should I correct errors during speaking activities?
During fluency work, note selected patterns and respond afterward unless an error blocks the task. During accuracy work, brief immediate feedback may be appropriate.
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Sources, scope and accuracy
This guide separates general teacher-development principles from provider-specific claims. Qualification, employer and destination requirements vary, so verify consequential decisions with the relevant employer, awarding organisation or government authority.