Unit 27: Using Language Appropriately for a Range of Classroom Functions

How do we use language appropriately for classroom functions? I consider that the functions we use with our students depend on the level of the students they are in. Regarding this, classroom functions are the purposes for which we use language in the classroom. But, the function we use depends of the context and purpose, the learners’ needs, their age and level. As I said before, the level of students is very important in order to use the functions appropriately.  Some of the functions we use in the classroom are getting learners’ attention for example we can give them commands such as: stand up. Another is, instructing, in this case we can say: Adam will ask and Evi will answer. Another is, encouraging, will increase our students ‘confidence that are shy about speaking in front of the class. We can encourage our students by saying them words that make them to feel good. Regarding this, we also can be facing problems with discipline when they lose their attention spam or they do not understand what the teacher is saying. So, it is really important to make use of gestures and body language in order to convey the meaning of what we are saying. From this unit, I learned that is very important to make use of functions inside the classroom due that it helps the teacher to transmit the knowledge and to convey a message to the students. Finally, as a future teacher I would apply the majority of the functions due that the language needs to be sequenced appropriately to provide learners with a range of learning opportunities. As a conclusion, we must use functions in order to provide our students with relevant information.

References: 

- Spratt, M., Pulverness, A., & Williams, M. Using language appropriately for a range of classroom functions. The TKT Course Modules 1, 2 And 3, 184-189. doi:10.1017/cbo9781139062398.029

- Caballero, E., Caballero, E., & profile, V. (2012). Mis notas para el TKT: Teachers' and learnenrs' language in classroom.Tktportafolios.blogspot.com. Retrieved 27 January 2016, from http://tktportafolios.blogspot.com/2012/10/teachers-and-learnenrs-language-in.html