In this episode Rachel Finnie and Chris Graham 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!

LINKS

Journal article: Integrated Skills in the ESL/EFL classroom by Rebecca Oxford (10:28)

CHAPTERS

0:20 – 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