Methods of Teaching English Prose
Meaning Of Prose:- According to Coleridge, "Prose is words in their best order." There is a need of pre planned lesson plan for teaching prose. Prose teaching is the most important in the teaching of English. It is the main source of knowing a language.
It has been pointed out that, "Teaching of prose aims at presenting the language material for intensive reading." In intensive reading, emphasis is given on not how much we read, but how much we profit out of reading the words, phrases and students are already acquainted with the structures and phrases in which they were drilled orally at an early stage. -
The method of teaching Prose reading must be interesting. Our approach should be logical and psychological.
Lesson plans for teaching prose should be selected properly, Herbart's five steps have been widely accepted. They are as follows:.
(1) Aims of teaching,
(2) Preparation,
(3) Presentation,
(4) Assignment,
(5) Recapitulation.
Methods of Teaching of Prose
Herbart's method has become much popular because of its logic, the method proceeds psychologically and maintains the interest of students throughout. The steps Suggested by; Herbart are mostly accepted in Indian schools.
Introduction by the teacher:
English is a foreign language. Indian students find it difficult. Hence the teacher should try to motivate students to study the lesson. He should attract students to learn the lesson known as' preparation of the lesson'. It includes the material aids, I previous knowledge of the students and introduction.
(1) Aims of Introduction: The Aims are divided into two:
(i) Specific aims,
(ii) General aims.
(i) Specific Aims:
The specific aims, according to Herbart, are as under:
(a) To identify words and phrases.
(b) To read with correct pronunciation, accent, pause and intonation.
(c) To use sentence structures correctly.
(d) To gather the central ideas of a passage.
(e) To use words in the correct order.
(f) To choose appropriate words and expressions.
(g) To use words and phrases. correctly..
(h) To recognise correct spellings
(i) To answer questions
(j) To recognise correct structures
(ii) General Aims:
The general aims are as follows:
(a) To develop an understanding of writing
(b) To develop fluency.
(c) A good attitude towards English.
(d) To develop speed in silent reading by the pupils.
(e) To develop an understanding of spoken En.
(2) Preparation:
English is a foreign language and Indian students find difficult. So I teacher should try to motivate students to study the lesson whatever they do. To attract E' students to learn the lesson is called preparation of the lesson.
(3) Presentation:
To present the lesson to pupils interestingly and efficiently, the I teacher should teach the lesson in two or more units. If the lesson is very short only one unit Jt should be made. The following sub-steps should be followed in both the units:
(i) Model readings by the teacher:
This model reading should be done by the teacher. Its purpose is to enable students to know the exact way of reading. So the teacher should try to read with correct pronunciation, intonation and stress. He should also be particular about pauses, articulation and expression.
(ii) Loud reading by the students:
After the model given by the teacher, students should be given a chance to read and improve.
(iii) Silent reading by students:
This removes many problems. The students do the ibr their own selves. They feel pleasure and confidence in silent reading. If they feel any entity, the teacher should remove it.
(iv) Meaning of difficult words:
The students should be explained the meaning of difficult words.
(v) Comprehension test:
In the end, the teacher can test the students. He can put up about a dozen questions. The questions should be well-selected.
Steps of lesson plan for Teaching Prose
Teaching Prose: Teaching English in schools comprises of a textbook having lessons both of prose and poetry. However, the number of lessons based on poetry is very few. Basically, there are two broad aims of teaching prose and poetry -
(a) Literary aim
(b) Subject matter aim.
In order to achieve these two aims, the teaching of prose and poetry should be intensive (for achieving literary aim) as well as extensive (for achieving subject matter aim). The intensive study is mainly related to explanation, detailed information, appreciation and all those aspects that are considered essential for the development of aesthetic sense. Extensive study means gaining knowledge. According to Coleridge, "Prose is words in their best order". There is a need of pre-planned lesson plan for teaching prose.
There are various views that suggest different types of lesson plans. The Herbartian steps suggest the following steps in & Jesson plan for teaching a prose lesson. These steps are strictly on 'Apperceptionistic View' according to which "Learning is to link an old idea with a new idea." The whole lesson is divided into many sub-lessons. A detailed note of lesson is planned for each part of the lesson on the lines of Herbartian steps.
(i) Model Reading by the Teacher:
The teacher may give one or more than one Jwdel reading according to the demand of the situation. The teacher's reading aloud should bring out the feeling and the meaning behind the written word. Since the teacher the sole source of providing learning of correct pronunciation, proper intonation and in spoken English, the teacher should be very careful in the class while doing the ig. He should also be particular about the pause, articulation and expression during % reading.
(ii) Pronunciation Drill:
The pronunciation and spelling of new and difficult words must be drilled before and after the teacher's loud reading. A poor standard of fading would require the greater need of drilling.
(iii) Exposition and Explanation:
The exposition of the meaning of different words may take place before or after the student's reading aloud in the class. Exposition and drill, both make comprehension easier and in subsequent reading the meanings are emforced.
Aims of Teaching prose Lessons:
General Aims.
1. To enable the pupil to read English passage loudly, with correct pronunciation, proper articulation of voice and with desirable stress.
2. Enable the students to get enjoyment by doing silent reading. Enable them to express orally and in writing what they have read.
3. Develop their imaginative powers. Prepare the students for world citizenship.
4. Enrich the active and passive vocabulary of the students.
5. Help the students to comprehend the passage and grasp its substance and meaning.
Specific Aims:
The specific aims of teaching prose lessons differ from topic to topic and according to the nature of the subject matter to be presented in the class. The specific aims are
(i) Short Story
Give knowledge of the facts of the story,
To give training in character.
To develop imagination.
Acquaint them with the style of the author,
(ii) Descriptive
Develop interest in the nature and natural objects.
Develop the power of imagination.
Encourage them to make the best use of leisure time.
Familiarize them with the style of the prose writer,
(iii) Essay
Provide general information and enrich their intellect.
Create curiosity about the subject.
Develop their mental capacities and abilities.
Develop interest in the author and in general reading.
Enable them to arrange ideas in a systematic way.
Acquaint them with the style of essay writing.
(iv) Blography (or Authobiography)
Acquaint the students with lives and deeds of heroes and great men.
Develop their character on right lines.
Encourage them to build strong character.
Cultivate desirable sentiments.
Infuse higher ideals in their lives.
Increase their love for aspiration.
(v) Play
Acquaint the pupil with spoken forms of language and in a conversational style.
Provide opportunities for self expression and self assertion.
Make the students feel the language and derive enjoyment and recreation.
To build their character.
Enable pupil to play different roles.
Make the pupil speak English language in a conversational style.
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