Do we test, or do we teach?
Lidiya Simak
Summary
While teaching vocabulary, we may test learners’ existing knowledge first. We may also use student-centered tasks to work out the meaning of lexis from context. These processes are different. Tasks that foster them look similar in coursebooks, though. Inexperienced teachers face the problem: when they intend to teach, they test instead, and vice versa, testing loses its objectivity with the wrong task. In this session we will distinguish the two processes in terms of task type, task setting, and interaction patterns used for testing and teaching. It will be useful for both teachers and teacher trainers mentoring less experienced colleagues.
Biodata
Lidiya Simak is a teacher and teacher trainer based in Kyiv, Ukraine. She has been teaching for over 20 years, working as a teacher, director of studies, and CELTA trainer. She has experience teaching students of all ages and levels. She is interested in the psychology of learning.
Presentation Details
Type of presentation: Workshop
The presentation is for: Experienced audience
The presentation focuses on: Various
The session is: A balanced mixture of theory and practice
Category: Teacher Training and Development, including Teacher’s Self-Care and Resilience
Presentation is commercial: No
Speaking on behalf of a publisher, examination board, or commercial organisation? No
Scheduled for
Date: Saturday, 2025-09-20, 13:10 - 14:10
Place: Seminar/Lab