7th August 2020
For my iTalk customers, there have been some changes to the lesson structures.
The lessons will focus on vocabulary and pronunciation. We want you to sound like a native-speaker and that means hard work.
From now, the lesson will be arranged as follows:
A quick warm up to practise recent phrases or vocabulary, and to pass the time until all the students arrive.
This will be a chance for you to do some extended talking to develop sentence-building skills, incorporate idioms, expressions and prepare yourself for a speaking lesson.
The main lesson will be the handout ONLY.
Firstly you will learn new vocabulary and practice:
pronunciation, stress and intonation
Next there is usually some listening so you can hear native speakers use these words. The recording will be played two or three times for you to hear and copy.
Next up is the main language of this lesson. You will repeat these expressions several times and test each other. During this time, the teacher will listen and give guidance.
The idea is for you to sound like a native-speaker. You will ONLY achieve that by practice and practice.
Finally, the remainder of the lesson is for YOU to practice using the language, in various scenarios. I recommend changing speaking partners. Practice means repeating and improving.
Practice does NOT MEAN saying the text once, as quickly as possible, then declaring, “Teacher, finished !”
The teacher is here to help YOU learn.
We are not here to entertain you.
I will not tolerate any sarcasm, rudeness, insults or disrespect.
In the event that I have been insulted or disrespected, I shall end the lesson and you can answer for your actions to the management
I do not plan these lessons – it is just my job to deliver them and help your pronunciation
YOU chose the lesson … if you are bored, that is not my problem. This is a language school not an entertainment centre.
Thay Paul's Notes 
Sound like a native speaker… That’s a monumental task for any language, especially if it’s one with multiple dialects like English or Chinese
LikeLiked by 1 person
No one said it was going to be easy 😁 seriously, it just means adding basic intonation and stress. I wish you could see how unmotivated and lazy most of the students’ are.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You act like people here in the U.S. are any less lazy and self-entitled, LOL.
Leaders around the world are creating a giant mess by telling everyone they’re entitled to everything and nothing is their fault. Not sure that’s a problem in Vietnam but it sure is in the West.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I only deal with Viet students but so different to Korean or Japanese. Vietnam has other issues but I must be very careful what I write on a website.. I’ll just repeat what my Viet managers have said, that there is a lot of work to do here, a lot of attitudes need to change 😁
LikeLiked by 1 person
Don’t worry, I understand your need to respect local sensibilities 🙂
Likewise all I can comment on with reasonable accuracy is the situation in the West.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have a great weekend, and good luck with the treatment.
LikeLiked by 1 person