English as a Foreign Language Teaching goes out of the Classroom!

Upper Sixth EFL Visit to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery - Wednesday 26th January 2011

Four Upper Sixth students, Phil, Summer, Sunny and James and I went to Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery. We started in the Round Room and began looking at the paintings there. The students chose their favourite one and wrote about it, using the worksheet provided by the museum on their website, specifically for international students. Phil and Sunny spoke English consistently throughout the afternoon, and were extremely enthusiastic. Summer also became motivated and engaged, and made some interesting comments about several of the paintings. We followed an itinerary and they had specific paintings to discuss, compare and write about.They all remained on task and thoroughly enjoyed themselves. As a follow-up activity, I asked them to prepare a short presentation on their favourite painting for the next EFL class, which will give them more confidence, and at the same time, prepare them for the speaking component of IELTS.

The aim of the trip was to involve students in communicating their thoughts and feelings in English, and to take them out of the normal classroom IELTS preparation and into real life; this will enable them to face the challenge of University. Much new vocabulary was generated in the discussion, and students were even able to make jokes and amusing comments. It also enabled me to get to know the students as individuals, and discover a hidden side to them, which with their natural reticence, and lack of confidence in their spoken English can hold them back in class. I believe that they have gained confidence and now feel much more motivated. Further trips will build upon that, and increase their vocabulary and fluency.

Future trips planned:

9th February

Waterstones- choose a graded reader (novel) or other book. Read it at home and then later on prepare a presentation or book review in class. Visit Information Centre-pick a weekend trip cost it ,find out about transport. Ask staff for travel advice and directions.

16th February

Visit to Back to Backs -National Trust. Victorian Housing-find out about British culture and history.Guided tour (listening skills)

2nd March

Bowling-plenty of opportunity to practise everyday English and improve pronunciation by speaking to staff regarding boot hire, ordering soft drinks etc.

9th March

Visit to Jewellery Quarter Museum. Excellent opportunity especially for EFL Art students who may wish to study design at University.

16th March

No date yet fixed for Cadbury World, but possibly in conjunction with Business Studies tutors. This visit would be extremely beneficial to both Business Studies and EFL students and be a chance to learn about the company and see theory put into practice.

23rd March

Further visit to BMAG- but this time the museum

30th March

Visit to Soho House. Local history- chance to find out more about Birmingham.

4th April

Nature Park. A worksheet will be provided, and students will increase their vocabulary. All 4 skills integrated

Patricia Robinson
EFL Teacher