Boosting learner engagement in speaking activities

Inga Mdivani presented strategies to boost learner engagement in speaking activities, addressing student reluctance, fear of mistakes, and lack of confidence. Her research, shared at the World Teachers Day Conference, found students often felt nervous or rushed. Key solutions include: 1. **Round Robin:** Structured turn-taking ensuring every student speaks. 2. **Scaffolding:** Providing word banks, sentence frames, and modeling to support language. 3. **Think Write Round Robin:** Allowing students to jot down ideas before speaking. 4. **Regrouping:** Varied grouping (by proficiency, personality, interest) to encourage diverse interaction and participation. The approach emphasizes understanding students’ challenges and providing supportive, varied opportunities for speaking.