This file was created or last modified on Tuesday, February 29, 2000. Focusing on expressive and functional language in model exchanges, a generic self-study guide and worksheets enable a teacher to offer some guiding feedback while promoting learner autonomy. A microanalysis of an ESL classroom interaction shows how an experienced teacher strategically uses social talk to facilitate the achievement of the teaching goals and to create a friendly classroom environment. The presenter offers theoretical insights about classroom discourse and practical implications for new teachers. The presenters describe several types of discourse analysis activities for the language classroom.
Presenters briefly discuss three studies related to building rapport in on-line instruction.
Strategies for building rapport with students through e-mail are identified and discussed. The presenters show the results of the data analysis. The presenter first, reviews the different types of cohesion, followed by the methodology used. Finally, teachers collaborate to write some activities, based on authentic concordancing output. The presenter discusses a study comparing openings found in real telephone conversations with those found in ESL textbooks.