CAE part 4

 Speaking part 4

Discuss these written prompts for a speaking part 3 task.

Possible questions

1. Why do you think lecturers are a more common as a form of teaching in universities than in schools?

2. What are the advantages and disadvantages of one to one teaching from a student’s point of view?

3. Some people think that individual studying is the least effective way of learning. Do you share this view? Why not?

4. Do you think project work is an approach more suited to older or younger students? Why?

5. Which do you think is more important from a student’s point of view: a good teacher or a small class? Why?

6. Do you think that exams are the best and fairer means of assessing students? Why not?

Key vocab

Academic studying     class teaching     individual student    learning style    pair or group work       Primary school      programme of study     range of abilities    secondary school Give clear instructions    manage my own learning      work independently       Effective    informal     motivated    motivating      time-consuming

I’d say probably older students, for the simple reason that they are able to work independently than younger students. This kind of learning only works if students are motivated and interested. For this reason, it works more effectively when students work in pairs or groups. Members of the group can decide what needs to be done and share out the different tasks. Later they can get back together to report the results of their efforts. I would say that anyone below secondary school age would find this difficult to do successfully. 

I agree with most of what you say, but I think we should introduce children to this kind of work while they're still in primary school, just to get them used to the idea of managing their own learning. Of course teachers need to make sure they prepare their students well; that means giving very clear instructions to make sure students know what they're supposed to be doing…

I think the main advantage is that students get a programme of study which is specifically designed for them. This approach lets the teacher focus on specific problems or difficulties that the individual students have, as well as adopting a learning style which suits that student. In most class teaching situations, teachers have to cater for a wide range of abilities and learning styles. 

I don't disagree with that, but I think you're only looking at one aspect of education and learning. When students are in classes they're not just absorbing information. They're learning to get on with other people. Some people would say that this is at least as important as academic study.