Tape recorders
The tape recorder is perhaps the
most common piece of
technology that teachers have
access to. Most course books
have listening activities and the
course cassette is an invaluable
resource for the teacher.
Pre-recorded listening material is useful in the classroom. It brings variety to the lesson and lets the students hear English
speaking voices other than the teacher’s. But the use of the tape recorder is not limited to pre-recorded course material.
There are other sources of listening material such as radio programmes (see page 24) and music. Activities such as ‘jigsaw
listening’ (see below) are a communicative way of using the tape recorder and recording the students themselves is a
student-centred way of developing language skills and confidence.
Using music
Using the tape recorder to play music quietly in the background while students are working is a good way to create a
relaxed atmosphere in the classroom.
Songs can also be used as sources of language learning activities. Students like to work with songs. It’s a change from
normal activities and can involve them in a subject most young people are interested in. Songs contain a lot of useful
language and can be used to highlight grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary. They are good for prompting discussions
and even as a tool for introducing new language. Here are a few suggestions for activities with songs:
• Gap fill
Prepare a copy of the words of a song. However, in each line delete a word or words. The students have to listen to the
song while reading the text and try to complete the text by filling in the missing words.
• Wrong words
Prepare a copy of the words of a song. However, in each line make a mistake, for example substituting words with other
words of similar spelling/pronunciation. The students listen to the song while reading the text and try to correct the
mistakes.
• Comprehension
The teacher prepares a list of comprehension questions based on the song. The song is used as any other listening
material. The students listen and answer questions.
When using songs it is important that the teacher chooses a suitable piece of music. It should not be too difficult for the
students to hear the lyrics clearly. If possible, it should be a song the students like or even one they have suggested.
The tape recorder is perhaps the
most common piece of
technology that teachers have
access to. Most course books
have listening activities and the
course cassette is an invaluable
resource for the teacher.
Pre-recorded listening material is useful in the classroom. It brings variety to the lesson and lets the students hear English
speaking voices other than the teacher’s. But the use of the tape recorder is not limited to pre-recorded course material.
There are other sources of listening material such as radio programmes (see page 24) and music. Activities such as ‘jigsaw
listening’ (see below) are a communicative way of using the tape recorder and recording the students themselves is a
student-centred way of developing language skills and confidence.
Using music
Using the tape recorder to play music quietly in the background while students are working is a good way to create a
relaxed atmosphere in the classroom.
Songs can also be used as sources of language learning activities. Students like to work with songs. It’s a change from
normal activities and can involve them in a subject most young people are interested in. Songs contain a lot of useful
language and can be used to highlight grammar, pronunciation and vocabulary. They are good for prompting discussions
and even as a tool for introducing new language. Here are a few suggestions for activities with songs:
• Gap fill
Prepare a copy of the words of a song. However, in each line delete a word or words. The students have to listen to the
song while reading the text and try to complete the text by filling in the missing words.
• Wrong words
Prepare a copy of the words of a song. However, in each line make a mistake, for example substituting words with other
words of similar spelling/pronunciation. The students listen to the song while reading the text and try to correct the
mistakes.
• Comprehension
The teacher prepares a list of comprehension questions based on the song. The song is used as any other listening
material. The students listen and answer questions.
When using songs it is important that the teacher chooses a suitable piece of music. It should not be too difficult for the
students to hear the lyrics clearly. If possible, it should be a song the students like or even one they have suggested.
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