Читать книгу Second Language Pronunciation - Группа авторов - Страница 13

Tanner and Chugg (2018) adapted a technique long used to develop reading skills to enhance oral fluency. As the authors point out, Readers Theater does not require props, costumes, or even much bodily involvement. The authors developed four scripts suitable for young adults (“academic honesty, finding a job, ways of travel, and modern innovations” pp. 187–188) and invited intermediate level ESL students enrolled in a 14-week program to engage in scripted performances. A comparison group received standard classroom practice. Prior to the implementation of Readers Theater, the classroom teacher introduced some basic tenets of pronunciation, including the role of pausing, word and sentence stress, and pitch changes. The students spent three weeks on each of the four scripts, and the teacher provided regular feedback on their communicative success. At the end of the term, the learners reported that their self-confidence and their fluency had improved. General language proficiency pre- and post-tests showed that both the comparison and experimental group improved significantly, and that the two groups did not differ. The authors recommend further research to determine if the speaking of the Readers Theater learners improves in comparison to a control group, but given the very positive increase in self-confidence, and the enjoyment factor, they recommend the inclusion of Readers Theater going forward.