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TESOL CERTIFICATE
Module 10.
games in the tesol classroom



10. Games in the TESOL Classroom

With the use of games, the teacher can create various contexts in which students have to use the language to communicate, exchange information and express their own opinions (Wright, Betteridge and Buckby, 1984). Huang (1996: 1) comes to a conclusion that "learning through games could encourage the operation of certain psychological and intellectual factors which could facilitate communication heightened self-esteem, motivation and spontaneity, reinforcing learning, improving intonation and building confidence."

Course Introduction

Language learning can be a difficult, time consuming and tiresome task. EFL/ESL teachers must have a ready arsenal of games and activities that can keep language learning fresh and interesting and invite repetition of target language skills.

As language teachers we all strive to create "meaningful" communication in our classrooms even if we are keenly aware of the artificial nature of the classroom environment. As language teachers we also constantly enforce the need for repetition in order to drill into our students' memories the target language. "If something is fun, kids are the first ones to notice. If presented in the right spirit, games are nonthreatening. Games are the enemy of boredom, and yet they invite repetition." (Jan Asch, Games for Global Awareness) The beauty of game play, therefore, is that it strongly encourages repetition in our students in a comfortable, enjoyable environment that by its very nature ensures friendly competition and meaningful communication that will be retained by the learner. The role of games in teaching vocabulary, grammar and more importantly cultural context can never be underestimated.


Required Reading:
Nguyen Thi Thanh Huyen & Khuat Thi Thu Nga. (2003). Learning Vocabulary Through Games. Asian EFL Journal, Volume 5.
http://www.asian-efl-journal.com/dec_03_sub.Vn.php

Suggested Reading:
Playing games in the EFL Classroom
Why use games in teaching English
Lee, W.R. (1997) Language Teaching Games and Contests, Oxford University Press, Oxford. United Kingdom
Wright, A., Betteridge, D., & Buckby, M. (2002) Games for Language Learning, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, United Kingdom
McCallum, G. (1980) 101 Word Games, Oxford University Press, Oxford, United Kingdom
Lewis, G., & Bedson, G. (2003) Games for Children, Oxford University Press, Oxford. United Kingdom
Gee, J.P. (2003) What Video Games Have to Teach Us About Learning and Literacy Palgrave MacMillan, New York, New York

Six Games for the EFL/ESL Classroom
http://iteslj.org/Lessons/Ersoz-Games.html

Creative Games for the Language Class
http://exchanges.state.gov/forum/vols/vol33/no1/p35.htm

The Use of Games For Vocabulary Presentation and Revision
http://exchanges.state.gov/forum/vols/vol36/no1/p20.htm

Index Cards: A Natural Resource for Teachers
http://exchanges.state.gov/forum/vols/vol35/no4/p42.htm

Games in the ESL and EFL Class
http://iteslj.org/Techniques/Deesri-Games.html


The following link is to "Word Up", which may be the best English Language teaching board game 'out there'.
http://www.teflgames.com/index.html


Assignment: Games in the Classroom

Your assignment is to prepare a lesson plan that involves using a single game or series of games that aim to reinforce targeted language skills. Discuss the methodology underpinning your lesson plan, and support your work with citations where relevant.

Module Statement of Purpose: Games in the Classroom

This area of English Language Learning is a growing but often misunderstood aspect of language acquisition. Far too many teachers use games as a five minute end of a class activity or as a "time-filler" with little or no thought as to the pedagogy behind the use of either games in general or the specific game being used. Through readings and research the student teacher should become better familiar with the "when", "why" and "how" of games both for teaching specific language skills and for the introduction of Western cultural elements into the EFL classroom.

Module Description: Game in the Classroom

Your readings will lead you to an understanding of the value that games can be in teaching English. Additionally, you should become acquainted with many different language-teaching games to prepare you for use in real classroom situations.

Module Goals: Game in the Classroom

The aim of this module is to prepare the student with appropriate pedagogy for the use of games in the academic environment. Students are encouraged to explore various games and activities in order to become aware of the value of game-play as a learning resource and an enjoyable method of reinforcement of targeted skills. Students should collect their own favourite games and activities to better prepare themselves for the classroom.

Instructional Methods:

1. Students will read numerous academic articles by world leading authorities and critically examine and compare articles. Additionally students will be asked to critically examine different games to determine what leads to the greatest learning potential in students and what games can best be used to teach Western cultural elements to learners.

2. Materials have been prepared by world acclaimed authors - these form the basis of the course. Students are encouraged to source other materials widely and to critically examine game play as a learning tool.

3. Students will be able to go to the Forums and raise and argue points of view

4. Assessment is based on written work assessed by our Editorial group.


Thanks to Mr. Todd Vercoe, Inje University, S.Korea for help in this Module


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