Increasing Student Talk Time (STT) in Online English Lessons

Increasing Student Talk Time (STT) in Online English Lessons

Student Talk Time (STT) is the amount of time that students spend speaking in a language lesson. It is an important metric for language learning, as research has shown that students learn best by speaking and interacting with others.

In online English lessons, it can be challenging to increase STT, as students may be feeling self-conscious or shy about speaking in front of their peers and teacher. However, there are a number of techniques that teachers can use to encourage students to talk more.

Here are some tips for increasing STT in online English lessons:

• Use pair and group work. This is a great way to get students talking to each other and practicing their English skills in a low-pressure environment. You can assign students simple tasks, such as introducing themselves to their partner or discussing a topic together.
• Ask open-ended questions. Instead of asking questions that can be answered with a simple yes or no, ask questions that require students to think critically and give more detailed answers. For example, instead of asking “Do you like ice cream?”, you could ask “What is your favorite flavor of ice cream and why?”
• Use visual aids. Visual aids can help students to understand and participate in lessons more easily. For example, you could use pictures, videos, or diagrams to introduce new vocabulary or grammar concepts.
• Give students time to think. Before asking a question, give students a few seconds to think about their answer. This will help them to feel more confident when they speak.
• Be patient and supportive. It may take some time for students to get comfortable speaking English in an online setting. Be patient and supportive, and encourage students to try their best.

Here are some additional tips for increasing STT in online English lessons:

• Use breakout rooms. Breakout rooms are a great way to encourage students to talk to each other in small groups. You can use breakout rooms for pair work, group work, or even just for students to socialize and chat.
• Use interactive tools. There are a number of interactive tools that you can use to increase STT in your online lessons. For example, you can use kahoot!, Quizizz, or Padlet to create interactive quizzes, polls, and surveys.
• Use role-playing activities. Role-playing activities are a great way for students to practice speaking English in a real-world context. For example, you could have students role-play a job interview, a conversation at a restaurant, or a visit to the doctor’s office.
• Use games and puzzles. Games and puzzles can be a fun and engaging way to get students talking to each other. There are a number of online games and puzzles that you can use in your English lessons.

By following these tips, you can create an online English learning environment where students feel comfortable and confident speaking English.

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