Integrated skills in the ELT classroom

In today’s episode our Publisher, Rachel, and Academic Director, Chris, sit down to discuss why integrated skills are beneficial in the classroom. They discuss how the real-life application of language is not separated into the four skills, why there is a reluctance from educational institutions to change and how integrated skills provides a way to exploit materials and engage students. Let us know if you enjoyed the episode! Get in touch with any suggestions or questions – you can find us at @garneteducation everywhere! LINKSJournal article: Integrated Skills in the ESL/EFL classroom by Rebecca Oxford (10:28) CHAPTERS0:20 – Intro 0:52 – What are integrated skills? 1:33 – Are integrated skills a good thing for ELT? 2:54 – Do integrated skills reflect how we use language in real life? 4:22 – Teaching skills in isolation; focusing on specific skills 6:01 – Skills are already integrated: learning to write by speaking 7:28 – Teaching ‘speaking’ by using texts, pictures or audio 8:33 – Going from receptive to productive skills 9:36 – Focusing on the function of language 10:12 – Is there evidence that integrated skills are more effective? 11:51 – Learning strategies and ‘learning to learn’ skills 13:31 – Formative assessments and switching skills in daily life 15:52 – Integrated skills can flag up specific skills that need working on 17:11 – Reluctance to change: educational, institutional and exam culture 19:33 – Logistical change: institutional infrastructure and scheduling 21:27 – Exploiting materials and engaging students 22:13 – Technology has forced us to integrate skills 22:52 – Final thoughts