The Importance of Oral Skills in Language Education

Discover some of the key characteristics in the language teaching process. In this blog, we discuss ten important characteristics for teachers to remember as they take their student's through their language lessons.

1. Spontaneous expression

Oral skills implies the ability to express oneself spontaneously and fluently without the need for predefined preparation. Learners must be able to create sentences and responses in real time.

2. Linguistic creativity

Students should be encouraged to use a variety of expressions, vocabulary and grammatical structures to express concepts and ideas creatively. This promotes the acquisition of broader language skills.

3. Grammatical accuracy

Despite the emphasis on spontaneity and creativity, it is important for students to maintain a certain degree of grammatical accuracy. Teachers should correct grammatical errors to help students improve their accuracy.

4. Pronunciation and intonation:

Correct pronunciation and intonation are essential for clear and understandable communication. Students should work on their pronunciation of words and intonation of sentences to communicate effectively.

5. Application of acquired skills

Speaking the language should encourage students to use acquired linguistic skills in real communication situations. This may include active participation in conversations, discussions, presentations and other communication activities.

6. Feedback and correction

Teachers must provide regular feedback on student errors and encourage them to improve. Marking should be balanced so as not to discourage students' spontaneity and confidence in speaking the language.

7. Contextualisation

Students should be encouraged to speak in meaningful and authentic contexts. This can include simulations of real-world situations, such as booking a hotel or ordering a meal at a restaurant.

8. Constant practice:

Oral skills require constant practice to improve. Students should be exposed to a variety of communication situations and have the opportunity to practise regularly.

9. Listening and responding skills:

Speaking is often linked to active listening. Students must be able to listen carefully and respond appropriately to the questions and comments of others.

10. Confidence and motivation:

Teachers should encourage students' confidence in their speaking ability and maintain a motivating environment for constant practice.

Oral Skills with Nualang:

Oral skills are a crucial aspect of the language learning process. Nualang's innovative and interactive features are built with this in mind. Nualang enables teachers to bring their language lessons to life and allows students to take an active role in the learning process. Our features such as roleplays, chatbots, and other auto-generated exercises allows students to practice their oral and conversational skills in a fun and engaging manner.