From his teaching experience and talking with other teachers, Randall has long noticed that English learners often make quick progress at beginning levels of student, but these same students often slow down and level off at the intermediate level. Some students soon become frustrated because they don't seem to be making progress while other students do.
So what is the difference?
At the beginning levels, students are talking about very basic topics such as greetings, family, hobbies, and shopping. However, as students progress, the topic can become more abstract or challenging (freedom, integrity, environmental protection, etc.) requiring a much broader range of vocabulary and even critical thinking skills. Thus, unless students find opportunities to discuss these topics, they won't progress beyond ordering a cheeseburger at a restaurant. Learning at a higher level takes effort and time.
Many students who have used Randall's Website quickly do the listening activity (a more passive skill) without doing the other discussion topics there. Thus, in order to maximize learning, Randall has created vocabulary quizzes, linked directly on each page, so that students can practice and recycle the words so they can learn to use them in conversation. You can see some of these quizzes on this page:
DVD Movie Rentals
http://www.esl-
Vocabulary quizzes include multiple-choice, matching, and mixed-up sentences. By seeing vocabulary in different sentences, students can see many possibilities in which the words can be used. Learning a language without much vocabulary can limit students' possibilities. Now, Randall is trying to narrow that gap. Visit his site and give these activities a try.
