Show notes
In today’s episode our Publisher, Rachel, and Academic Director, Chris, sit down to discuss why integrated skills are beneficial in the classroom. They discuss how the real-life application of language is not separated into the four skills, why there is a reluctance from educational institutions to change and how integrated skills provides a way to exploit materials and engage students.Let us know if you enjoyed the episode! Get in touch with any suggestions or questions – you can find us at @garneteducation everywhere!LINKSJournal article: Integrated Skills in the ESL/EFL classroom by Rebecca Oxford (10:28)CHAPTERS0:20 – Intro0:52 – What are integrated skills?1:33 – Are integrated skills a good thing for ELT?2:54 – Do integrated skills reflect how we use language in real life?4:22 – Teaching skills in isolation; focusing on specific skills6:01 – Skills are already integrated: learning to write by speaking7:28 – Teaching ‘speaking’ by using texts, pictures or audio8:33 – Going from receptive to productive skills9:36 – Focusing on the function of language10:12 – Is there evidence that integrated skills are more effective?11:51 – Learning strategies and ‘learning to learn’ skills13:31 – Formative assessments and switching skills in daily life15:52 – Integrated skills can flag up specific skills that need working on17:11 – Reluctance to change: educational, institutional and exam culture19:33 – Logistical change: institutional infrastructure and scheduling21:27 – Exploiting materials and engaging students22:13 – Technology has forced us to integrate skills22:52 – Final thoughts
