Observation Table, Task 1:

Reasons for speaking in the classroom

Class: 4\3 Number of learners: 30

Length of lesson: 45 minutes Teacher observed: Amna AlMarzouqi

Language Learning Goals: “Have you Ever been”

Materials used: White board, data show, learner and activity book.

Reason for speaking Learner A Learner B Learner C

1 Learner repeats word(s) after teacher
üüü ü ü
- (whole class together)
2 Learner repeats word(s) after teacher
üüü ü üü
- (group / pair together)
3 Learner repeats word / phrase after teacher
üüü ü
- (individual )
4 Learner answers direct question from
ü ü
teacher
5 Learner answers open question from teacher ü
6 Learner asks teacher a question ü üü
7 Learner answers a partner in English
ü ü
- (pair/ group work activity)
8 Learner answers a partner in Arabic
üüü
- (pair/ group work activity)
9 Learner speaks to the teacher informally
üE üA üE
- (Add E for English; A for Arabic)
Asking
10 questions
Speaking
Asking for regarding
Other reason(s) for speaking to her
clarification. the
partner.
lesson
After the observation
Write your answers in the boxes:
• What was the most common reason for speaking?
Asking the teacher about the lesson.
• What was the least common reason for speaking?
Asking permission for the washroom.
• Were there any boxes with no ticks?
Yes.
• How much of the lesson was spent on the teacher using ‘Teacher Talk’, in your opinion?
Most of the time in class it was teacher talk.
• Do you feel it was too much / too little / just the right amount of talk? Why / Why not?
I think it was too much, because if she balanced, it will be the right amount of
talk between them.
• What do you think is an appropriate sequence of interaction patterns?
T-S\ S-S\ SS-SS\ S-T.

• Now consider how much Arabic was used. Do you think it was used appropriately?
Why? / Why not?
The red table actually speaks Arabic all the time, because they’re really weak at
English, but the rest of the class speaks English even with her partner because
there’s a rule if you speak Arabic in class you’ll get a red stamp.
Extra reflection

You do not have to do this activity. However, if you want a higher grade, you must do it. If
you are interested in thinking about this subject more, consider the following reflection.

Reflection

Choose one of the following:

A. Why is talk important?

§ for teachers?
§ for learners? (Think about the What and How.)

B. Why is it important to think about using English for varied purposes in the
classroom? For example, not just for giving an example, but also for
correcting, for praising, for everyday uses, like asking for help, or asking to
borrow something?

Because it raises their awareness about how speech and talking can be used
effectively to share ideas, share their creativity and negotiate thinking between
the teacher and the students.

C. What role do you think Arabic should play in the English classroom?