TESL 0120: Unit 2 Reflection

Unit 2 Reflection: Self-Monitoring and Correcting Pronunciation

 

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After completing the readings and assignments for this unit, I’ve come to realize just how complex teaching/learning English pronunciation can be. Aspects which I seldom think twice about as a native English speaker, such as stress, intonation and connected speech, are all things ESL students must tackle if they want to speak effectively in English.  Looking at it now, it’s nothing short of a daunting number of rules and concepts to learn and put into use. This is why I strongly feel that enabling students to self-monitor and correct themselves is essential.

Teaching pronunciation is tricky because every student has different needs. Since a teacher can only do so much to help each student individually I think that the best way for an ESL student to improve their pronunciation is to be aware of the mistakes they are making and learn to correct them on their own. While students certainly can get help from their teacher in the classroom, I think it’s important that students can take what they’ve learned and apply it outside the classroom in real-life situations. This way, a student is not restricted to just learning in the classroom, but can improve their abilities constantly, using approaches that work best for themselves. As such, I think it should be the goal for all teachers to help their students develop strategies for self-monitoring and correction. In doing this, teachers are doing both their students and themselves a favour!

I believe that learning a language is a continuous process that never truly comes to an end; we are always learning, even in our L1! So, it is my wish that long after I finish teaching my students, that they will be able to apply what they have learned and continue to improve not only their pronunciation, but all aspects of their English language abilities.