Hi everyone!
Another tool to be explored! In the 'ICT in ELT' class last week, Russell has introduced another website that is very interesting and fun which is:
Another tool to be explored! In the 'ICT in ELT' class last week, Russell has introduced another website that is very interesting and fun which is:
What is it?
As mentioned in its website, LyricsTraining is an easy and fun method to learn and improve your foreign languages skills through the music videos and lyrics of your favourite song. This site is suitable for everyone at various age including the learners as well. They can choose their own favourite song and listen to it many times.
How does it work?
How does it work?
# In the classroom context, through the exercise given, learners can improve their listening skill and their pronunciation of the words from the lyrics.
# There are three levels involved, which are beginner, intermediate and expert. This is good as learners can choose the level that suits their learning ability.
# After selecting the level, learners will listen to the song and need to complete the lyrics properly.
# If they cannot fill in the blank lyric, the song will stop and learners can use hint provided or just press the 'tab' button to get the answer straight away so that the song will continue to be played. Learners also can click 'help' to get the instruction.
To get a clear picture of how it works via online, just log on to Teachertrainingvideo: RussellStannard great website!
To get a clear picture of how it works via online, just log on to Teachertrainingvideo: RussellStannard great website!
How can it be used in classroom context?
# Teachers preview the entire process plus giving the hand out that contains instruction on how to use this website
# Teachers ask learners to work in groups and ask them to choose the song that they favour the most
# Learners need to do the task based on the steps given.
# The group that gets the highest rank will be rewarded
# Follow up activity such as "Sing-a-long session" might be a good way of improving learners' pronunciation of the words from the song. Melodies and rhymes guide learners to speak in a native cadence.
Example:
Song: When You Believe by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey
Instruction:
1. Select the mode. Here we choose the beginner level.
2. Complete the missing words in the lyrics as you listen.
3. See your score or check the high scores
Backspace = Replay line
Tab = Skip
Enter = Play/Pause
What kind of the learning style that involves?
# Gardener's Multiple Intelligences:
--> learners are allowed to learn in their own best ways based on their preferences. For example:
i) Musical intelligence: Learners who perceive and appreciate rhythm, pitch and melody will learn the language better through music and songs as they enjoy the lesson to the fullest. This activity fosters a relaxed but motivating and productive classroom atmosphere.
ii) Linguistic intelligence: Learners with high verbal-linguistic intelligence display a facility with words and languages and through this tool, they tend to learn best by memorizing the lyrics.
Who are the learners?
# Secondary school Malaysian students whose mostly first language is not English
# Beginner, intermediate and advanced levels of English
# Age range: from 13 - 17 years old
What are the advantages?
What are the advantages?
1. It is interesting and fun
Learners will engage more in the lesson as they can enjoy the songs and music played at the same time. Learners can choose their favourite song as well. Different songs chosen will increase learners' exposure to different accents and expressions from all over the world.
2. A beneficial and challenging task
The task is quite challenging as learners need to complete the missing words between the lyrics after listening to the song which can be in different accents and speed. Therefore, this step requires both writing and listening skills, particularly relates to the vocabulary used and how certain words are pronounced. However, hint is also provided to help them.
3. Great for motivation
It is also great for motivation because similarly to playing games online, learners will be given the point for completing the blanks. The more they do the exercises and completing them correctly, the more scores they will get and the higher rank they could go because they do not only test themselves but also compete with each other or even people from all over the world that have joined this site.
4. Foster autonomous learning
This is applicable if learners are willing to try at home because by practicing do-it-yourself exercise, they will learn better as they need to figure out the sentence pattern, the words' sound or the vocabulary that they do not understand by themselves. This will help to develop the language skills while also morphing the task of learning into an enjoyable hobby.
What are the limitations?
1. Limited access to internet
For the school where computer facilities are limited, it can create tension to teachers to conduct the lesson. Learners who do not have computer at home also will not be able to do this task as homework.
2. Inappropriate songs
There are some songs plus video clips that are not really suitable in Malaysian context for example, in terms of the words use (harsh and foul words) and how the singers act out in the clips (eg: public display of affection)
2. Inappropriate songs
There are some songs plus video clips that are not really suitable in Malaysian context for example, in terms of the words use (harsh and foul words) and how the singers act out in the clips (eg: public display of affection)
Further suggestion:
i) tefltunes.com: An amazing website that is suitable for teachers who are interested in planning the grammar lesson using songs. There are some free lessons provided apart from the subscribed ones.
~Because English is FUN! :) ~
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