Presentation (n.), present (v.)

1. When the teacher introduces new language usually by focusing on it, often by using the board and speaking to the whole class. 2. When a learner or learners gives a talk to their class or group.

Preservice education / preservice training

In teacher education, it is a course or programme of study which student teachers complete before they start teaching. ~ often sets out to show future teachers basic teaching techniques and give them a broad general background in teaching and in their subject matter. This may be compared with in-service education, which refers to experiences which are provided for teachers who are already teaching and which form part of their continued professional development.

Pre-teach (vocabulary)

Before introducing a text to learners, the teacher can teach key vocabulary from the text which s/he thinks the learners do not already know and which is necessary for them to understand the main points of a text.

Problem solving

Learners work in pairs or groups to find the solution to a problem. Problem-solving activities usually help to develop oral fluency. It is the ability to identify and solve problems by applying appropriate skills systematically.

Procedure

The details of exactly what is going to happen in each stage of a lesson, e.g. learners practise the language of complaints in a role-play in pairs.

Productive skills

When learners produce language. Speaking and writing are productive skills. See receptive skills.

Professional development

Programs that allow teachers or administrators to acquire the knowledge and skills they need to perform their jobs successfully.

Proficiency (n.), proficient (adj.)

Level of ability; to be very good at something because of training and practice, e.g. speaking English.

Project assessment

When students design a project that illustrates a specific principle (science fair projects, for example).

Project work

An activity which focuses on completing an extended task or tasks on a specific topic. Learners may work in groups to create something such as a class magazine. Learners sometimes do some work by themselves, sometimes outside the classroom.

Prop (n.)

An object used by the actors performing in a play or film. Teachers may give learners props to use when they are doing a role play in class.

Puppet

A model of a person or animal often made of paper or cloth, which a teacher or learners can move by putting their hand inside. Puppets are often used when teaching young learners.

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