Chapter I. Learning english through oral approach

2.3 Challenges and ways to overcome them in combining both approaches
Combining both the oral approach and situational language in teaching English can be a highly effective method, but it may also present some challenges. Here are a few challenges that may arise and some strategies to overcome them:
Time Constraints: Incorporating both approaches may require additional time in lesson planning and classroom implementation. To overcome this challenge, teachers can carefully design lesson plans that integrate both approaches efficiently. They can prioritize essential language skills and focus on key situational language activities that maximize learning outcomes within the available time.
Limited Resources: Access to authentic materials and resources for situational language activities can sometimes be limited. Teachers can overcome this challenge by leveraging technology and online resources. They can use videos, audio clips, online articles, and interactive websites to provide authentic language input and create engaging situational language activities.
Classroom Management: The combined approach requires active student participation and engagement, which can pose challenges in terms of classroom management. Teachers can establish clear expectations, set guidelines for group discussions and role-plays, and provide supportive structures to facilitate smooth transitions between activities. Creating a positive and inclusive learning environment can also help maintain student focus and engagement.Varying Proficiency Levels: In a mixed-ability classroom, learners may have different proficiency levels, which can make it challenging to ensure that everyone benefits from the combined approach. Teachers can differentiate instruction by providing scaffolding and support for learners who need it, while also providing extension activities or challenges for more advanced learners. Group work and peer collaboration can also be utilized to foster learning among peers.
Assessment Methods: Assessing both the oral approach and situational language activities can be challenging using traditional assessment methods. Teachers can employ a variety of assessment strategies, such as rubrics, self-assessment, peer assessment, and performance-based tasks, to evaluate learners' progress in both oral communication skills and their ability to use English in situational contexts.Limited Opportunities for Authentic Interaction: Depending on the learning environment, learners may have limited opportunities for authentic interaction with English speakers. Teachers can overcome this challenge by incorporating technology and virtual exchanges, organizing language exchanges with native speakers, or encouraging learners to participate in language clubs or conversation groups outside of the classroom.
Integration with Curriculum: Integrating both approaches seamlessly into the existing curriculum can be a challenge. Teachers can align the oral approach and situational language activities with the curriculum objectives and learning outcomes. They can identify specific units or themes where the combined approach can be effectively integrated, ensuring that it enhances the overall language learning experience.Teacher Training and Professional Development: Teachers may require additional training and professional development to effectively integrate both approaches. School administrations can provide workshops, seminars, and training sessions to support teachers in developing their skills and knowledge in implementing the combined approach. Collaboration among teachers and sharing best practices can also be beneficial.By addressing these challenges proactively and employing appropriate strategies, teachers can overcome any obstacles that may arise when combining the oral approach and situational language. The key is to plan thoughtfully, create a supportive classroom environment, utilize available resources effectively, and continuously reflect on and refine instructional practices to maximize the benefits of both approaches.
Limited Student Engagement: Some students may be hesitant to actively participate in oral activities or may struggle to engage in situational language tasks. Teachers can address this by creating a supportive and inclusive classroom environment where students feel comfortable taking risks and expressing themselves. Providing clear instructions, modeling activities, and offering positive reinforcement can help increase student engagement.

Language Complexity: Situational language activities often involve real-life scenarios that may require more advanced language skills. Teachers can scaffold the activities by providing language support, vocabulary resources, and guiding questions. They can gradually increase the complexity of the tasks as students gain proficiency, ensuring a balance between challenge and achievable goals.Integration with Curriculum Content: It can be challenging to integrate both approaches seamlessly with the content of other subjects in the curriculum. Teachers can collaborate with subject teachers to identify opportunities for language integration and plan cross-curricular activities that incorporate oral communication and situational language within the context of other subjects.

Limited Opportunities for Individual Practice: In some classroom settings, individual practice opportunities may be limited, especially during oral activities or group discussions. Teachers can overcome this challenge by incorporating individual reflection and writing tasks within the context of situational language activities. They can also assign homework assignments or provide online resources that allow students to practice individually outside of the classroom.
Assessment Alignment: Ensuring that assessments align with both the oral approach and situational language can be complex. Teachers can develop assessment criteria that capture both the oral communication skills and the ability to use English in situational contexts. They can include a variety of assessment methods, such as presentations, role-plays, interviews, and written reflections, to provide a comprehensive evaluation of students' language proficiency.
Classroom Adaptation: Adapting the classroom environment to accommodate both oral activities and situational language tasks may require flexibility in classroom layout and resources. Teachers can arrange the classroom to facilitate group discussions, role-plays, and presentations. They can also make use of multimedia resources, props, and realia to create authentic situational contexts.
Cultural Sensitivity and Inclusion: Situational language activities should consider the diverse cultural backgrounds of students and promote inclusivity. Teachers can provide opportunities for students to share their own cultural experiences, encourage respectful discussions about cultural differences, and select materials and scenarios that reflect a range of cultures and perspectives.
Continuous Professional Development: To effectively combine the oral approach and situational language, teachers may need ongoing professional development and support. Schools can provide professional development opportunities that focus on pedagogical techniques, resources, and effective instructional strategies for integrating both approaches. Peer observation, mentoring, and collaborative learning communities can also foster continuous improvement.By proactively addressing these challenges and implementing appropriate strategies, teachers can create a conducive learning environment that combines the oral approach and situational language effectively. This allows students to actively engage in oral communication, apply English in real-life contexts, and develop the language skills needed for effective communication.Language Anxiety: Some students may experience anxiety or fear when speaking in front of others or engaging in situational language activities. Teachers can create a supportive and non-judgmental classroom environment where students feel safe to take risks and make mistakes. Encouraging peer collaboration, providing positive feedback, and gradually increasing the complexity of tasks can help alleviate language anxiety.
Different Learning Styles: Students have different learning styles, and some may struggle with the oral approach or situational language activities. Teachers can incorporate a variety of instructional strategies, such as visual aids, hands-on activities, technology, and kinesthetic tasks, to cater to different learning preferences and ensure that all students can actively participate and benefit from the combined approach.
Limited Language Exposure: Students may have limited exposure to English outside of the classroom, which can affect their language development. Teachers can encourage students to engage with English beyond the classroom by providing resources, recommending books or movies, and suggesting online language learning platforms. Creating opportunities for English language use in real-life settings, such as field trips or language exchange programs, can also enhance language exposure.
Parent and Community Involvement: Involving parents and the community in supporting the combined approach can be challenging. Teachers can communicate with parents about the benefits of the oral approach and situational language activities and encourage them to provide opportunities for English language practice at home. Organizing community events, inviting guest speakers, or partnering with local organizations can also create additional language-learning opportunities.
Limited Teacher Training and Resources: Teachers may face limited training and access to resources specifically tailored for the combined approach. Schools can support teachers by providing professional development opportunities, workshops, and resources focused on integrating the oral approach and situational language effectively. Teachers can also collaborate with colleagues, share best practices, and explore online communities to access additional support and resources.
Evaluation and Feedback: Providing timely and constructive feedback on oral communication and situational language activities can be challenging, especially in large classes. Teachers can use a variety of feedback methods, such as individual conferences, peer feedback, audio or video recordings, and self-assessment tools. Setting clear criteria and rubrics for assessment can ensure consistency and provide students with a clear understanding of expectations.
Maintaining Student Motivation: Keeping students motivated and engaged in both the oral approach and situational language activities can be a challenge. Teachers can create a positive and stimulating learning environment by incorporating gamification elements, incorporating authentic and interesting materials, and allowing student choice and autonomy in selecting topics or projects. Celebrating student achievements and progress can also help maintain motivation.
Language Variation and Authenticity: Situational language activities should reflect authentic language use, but variations in accents, dialects, and language registers may pose challenges. Teachers can expose students to a range of English accents and dialects through audio and video resources. They can also emphasize the importance of understanding different language variations and provide opportunities for students to practice listening and communicating in diverse contexts.By addressing these challenges through appropriate strategies, teachers can create a dynamic and effective learning environment that combines the oral approach and situational language. Students will have opportunities to develop their oral communication skills, apply English in real-life situations, overcome language anxiety, accommodate different learning styles, increase language exposure, involve parents and the community, access training and resources, receive meaningful feedback, and maintain motivation throughout their language learning journey.
Large Class Sizes: Teaching a large number of students can pose challenges in terms of individual attention and participation. Teachers can employ strategies such as group work, pair work, and rotating roles to ensure active engagement of all students. They can also utilize technology tools, such as interactive whiteboards or online platforms, to facilitate group collaboration and individual practice.
Limited Teacher Proficiency: Teachers may face challenges if they are not proficient in the target language or lack confidence in their own oral skills. Continuous professional development, language improvement courses, and engaging in language practice themselves can help teachers overcome this challenge. Collaboration with other proficient colleagues or native speakers can also provide support and guidance.Limited Opportunities for Spontaneity: Situational language activities often require spontaneous responses and improvisation, which can be challenging to incorporate in a structured classroom environment. Teachers can provide opportunities for controlled improvisation by gradually reducing scaffolding and giving students more autonomy in their responses. They can also introduce activities that encourage spontaneous conversations and role-plays, allowing students to think on their feet.
Limited Assessment Authenticity: Traditional assessments may not capture the full range of skills and language use demonstrated in the oral approach and situational language activities. Teachers can incorporate performance-based assessments, such as presentations, role-plays, debates, and simulations, to assess students' ability to use English authentically in real-life contexts. Peer assessment and self-assessment can also be included to provide a holistic evaluation of students' language proficiency.Integration with Exam Preparation: In contexts where students need to prepare for standardized exams, integrating the oral approach and situational language activities within the exam framework can be challenging. Teachers can align the activities with the exam requirements by incorporating exam-like tasks, practicing exam-specific strategies, and familiarizing students with the format and expectations. Balancing exam preparation and the overall language development should be emphasized.
Maintaining Language Focus: While situational language activities provide contextualized language use, there is a risk of diverting from the language focus and spending excessive time on the situational aspects. Teachers can plan activities that strike a balance between the situational context and the targeted language structures or vocabulary. They can guide students to reflect on the language used in the situational activities and provide opportunities for explicit language practice and feedback.
Continuous Adaptation: As language learning contexts evolve, teachers need to continuously adapt their instructional strategies to meet the changing needs of students. Engaging in professional development, staying updated with current research and trends in language teaching, and seeking feedback from students can help teachers make informed decisions and adapt their teaching methods to optimize the combined approach.
By recognizing these challenges and implementing effective strategies, teachers can overcome potential obstacles and create a dynamic and engaging learning environment that combines the oral approach and situational language successfully. Students will have opportunities to develop their oral communication skills, apply language in authentic contexts, receive targeted feedback, and progress towards achieving their language learning goals.