TESL 0120 - Pronunciation- Unit 2 Reflections

"Pronunciation teaching not only makes students aware of different sounds and sound features (and what these mean), but can also improve their speaking immeasurably" (Harmer, 2001, p. 183). The most important subject that I found in this course is that the English instructors should always pay attention to this point that how students' first language could affect their pronunciation. In the practice about L1 interference, you could see the the differences in pronouncing sounds in every languages (e.g. in my first language Farsi there is no sound /θ/ ( like mother, weather) which makes it difficult for Farsi speakers to pronounce it). Also, most students are not aware of this type of mistakes which could always happen unconsciously. As Harmer (2001) mentioned, being aware of pronunciation issues would be a immense benefit for students' understanding of English and speaking. Students should be able to use pronunciation which is good enough for them to be always understand (p.183). This ability depends on stressing words and phrases and intonation.

Instructors' ability in transferring information and giving feedback is quite vital. instructors have to identify the students mistakes (e.g. intonation, phonemic alphabet and their comprehension) by creating some assessment at the beginning of the class to see where their pronunciation stand and try to develop it by creating purposeful practices and giving feedback. Giving a feed back in pronunciation is not always about repeating the word. Teachers should be able to locate the root problems and try to solve it by creating fun games, interactive activities and showing some educational videos.

In conclusion, it is a great challenge not only for the instructor to identify students' needs in pronunciation and giving an effective feedback, but also for the students to find their mistakes and try to improve it by practice, practice and practice.

References:

Harmer, J. (2001). The Practice of English Language Teaching, Chapter 7: Feedback on Oral Work, pp. 104-109. Harlow, Essex: Pearson Education Limited.