view - National Center for Education Development

table
a man
This is a book
Use of flashcards
The flash cards are used for:
� pictorial representation of single concepts, for example, of actions or objects.
� revision of known language.
� recombination or manipulation work
� cues for starting stories.
� prompt for drill activities.
� teaching spelling
� teaching vocabulary
While using flashcards, teacher should flash the cards and tell the students what they
need to do with the cards clearly. For example, by flashing the cards simple instructions
can be given, e.g. point to the window, open your book, touch the door, raise your right
hand, and so on. The students read silently the instructions on the card and do the same.
The names of the pupils may also be mentioned in the cards, e.g. Rajan, open the door.
From this activity, we can develop reading skill in students and teach how to give and
follow instruction.
b. Once a head teacher observed a class of English in grade six where the teacher was
translating all the words whatever he taught in the name of teaching their meaning.
What do you think about translating whole words into mother tongue? Is it always a
good way of teaching vocabulary? What are the alternative ways to teaching meaning
of vocabulary?
Hint for answer
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