The Application of Visual Aids in Present Speaking Teaching and Learning to Junior Middle Schools 可视性教具在初中英语口语教学中的应用.doc

The Application of Visual Aids in Present Speaking Teaching and Learning to Junior Middle Schools Introduction The syllabus for junior English (1992) indicates that the educational goal of junior middle schools is to let students gain the ability to master basic English knowledge and the ability to use English for the purpose of communication through the practice in listening, speaking... It is known that English speaking teaching plays a very important role in English learning and teaching in junior middle schools. In fact English speaking teaching not only concerns the meaning and form but also concerns the ability of communication. However, in parts of China English speaking teaching is still neglected and the teaching method is still traditional. Teachers and students pay more attention to reading and writing, but neglect speaking and listening. As a result, quite a number of students cannot speak English fluently after they have studied English for many years. In the book of A Course in English Language Teaching, it indicates that: “Speaking is the skill that the students will be judged upon most in real-life situation.”1 It means that English speaking is such an important part of everyday interaction and the first impression on a person is often based on his/her ability to speak fluently and comprehensibly. Thus, it is very necessary to have an effective and interesting teaching method in order to change the current situation of English speaking teaching and learning in junior middle schools. In the early 16s century, the direct method was employed in the teaching activity. The application of visual aids was derived from the visual teaching method. The application of visual aids can stimulate the students’ interest and strengthen the students’ attention. And it helps the teachers to build up some real communicative activities which can involve the students in performing a real communicative purpose rather than just practicing language for its own sake. The ap