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Hi there,

Although I have no much experience in teaching, I like very much what Camelia says about using drills:

- "Being noisy is fun for the children, but usually they are not the only ones in the building :P. I would suggest speaking in a very low voice or alternate (low voice, loud voice, slowly, quickly). Ss usually find it really funny to immitate the teacher this way.
- Using alternate intonation (like mentioned above)...this way they won't sound like parrots.
- You can just raise your hand or finger or do a certain gesture that will make them aware that they should start repeating".

From my point ot view, what I like about drills it that visualising is a good method to stike children attention and not to have a monotonous lesson. Also I believe it is a good way to learn much more efficiently.

•Do you use drills and chants in your lessons? Explain why/why not.

I usually use drills in my lessons especially when a new word is introduced. Students need hearing and focusing on that word to be familiar with.
I never use chants because students think they are boring but it can be useful when we start a lesson or finish. Why not
•What do you like or not like about using them?
I like using them because they provide confidence to my students and when you are learning you need it.

a. What are the problems with drills?

For example:
They are very noisy.
Children are repeating like parrots.
Children don't start and finish together.

Can you think of any more?
- Teacher can't listen to all the students' pronunciation.

b. Have you got any suggestions on how to deal with these problems?

Make individual drills.

a. What are the problems with drills?
For example:
- They are very noisy.
- Children are repeating like parrots.
- Children don't start and finish together.

b. Have you got any suggestions on how to deal with these problems?
- Being noisy is fun for the children, but usually they are not the only ones in the building :P. I would suggest speaking in a very low voice or alternate (low voice, loud voice, slowly, quickly). Ss usually find it really funny to immitate the teacher this way.
- Using alternate intonation (like mentioned above)...this way they won't sound like parrots.
- You can just raise your hand or finger or do a certain gesture that will make them aware that they should start repeating.