elllo teacher

toddbeuckensapu

ELLLO Teacher is a podcast for educators interested in optimizing content delivery, enhancing instruction and most importantly engaging learners in meaningful ways. Hosted by Todd Beuckens, the creator of English Listening Lesson Library Online and dedicated ESL teacher, ELLLO Teacher takes a look at novel ways to teach using various tips, tricks and technology, and features movers and shakers in the education community.

Episodes

  1. 3 days ago

    Why Natural Speech Matters for Language Learners

    Why can a natural conversation sometimes be easier for language learners to understand than carefully scripted audio? In this episode of ELLLO Teacher, Todd talks about the importance of extemporaneous speech — language that is spoken naturally rather than written, scripted, and read aloud. Todd explains how natural speech includes rhythms, pauses, repetition, and backchanneling that can give learners valuable time to process what they hear. He compares talking to walking and reading aloud to running: natural conversation tends to move in short bursts with small pauses, while narrated text can be much denser. You'll also hear why simple reactions such as “Oh, that's interesting,” “I didn't know that,” and “That's cool” are more important than they might seem. These little bits of backchanneling create pauses, help listeners process language, and often cause speakers to naturally repeat or restate what they have said. Finally, Todd encourages teachers to create their own natural listening materials. With simple tools such as a phone, laptop, Zoom, or Audacity, teachers can record real conversations and turn them into useful listening lessons for their students. 🎧 In this episode: Why scripted listening can sound unnatural Natural speech vs. narrated speech How pauses help with processing speed Why backchanneling helps comprehension How natural conversation creates useful repetition Why teachers should record their own listening materials Simple ways to start creating audio lessons Learn more: ELLLO Teacher offers more episodes, transcripts, and free downloadable materials for ESL professionals at elllo.org/teacher.

About

ELLLO Teacher is a podcast for educators interested in optimizing content delivery, enhancing instruction and most importantly engaging learners in meaningful ways. Hosted by Todd Beuckens, the creator of English Listening Lesson Library Online and dedicated ESL teacher, ELLLO Teacher takes a look at novel ways to teach using various tips, tricks and technology, and features movers and shakers in the education community.