Session 6 provided you with many different ways to set up a reading lesson in order to support your learner. You will notice that the structure of a listening lesson is similar to the structure of a reading lesson. In both types of lessons, it is important to have:

• introductory or "pre" activities to ensure that the learner understands the context.
• activities to increase skill development (to be done while using the materials you have chosen).
• follow-up or "post" activities.

Sample Lesson

Before the session: Planning your listening lesson

Choose suitable materials

• The listening comprehension exercises that you use can come from a variety of sources. There are many ESL kits that have a variety of thematic listening exercises, which are appropriate for a variety of levels.
• Learners may want help with "authentic speech," or the spontaneous speech that they hear everyday, which is very different than the speech samples heard on tape. For example, most ESL material is scripted; it does not have a lot of the filler (uh, umm, at any rate...). You may want to look at other sources, such as TV, radio, presentations or festivals in the community to give learners more listening practice in a more authentic context.

Basic steps during the session

Before listening: Preparing to Listen

Start with introductory (or prelistening) tasks that allow learners to connect what they will hear with their own knowledge and experience. This is important. It will enable the learner to connect the words she hears to the larger context, and result in better listening comprehension.