Unit 28 - Identifying the functions of learners’ language

How do we identify the functions of learners’ language?

The functions of learners’ language are the purpose for which learners use language in the classroom. These purpose include taking part in task and activities, interacting with the teacher and with each other.

Outline of the stages of a lesson	Learners’ possible language functions
1. The teacher enters a noisy classroom and asks the learners to be quiet. The teacher greets the learners (e.g. says hello) and they reply. The teacher quickly checks through the homework with the class before collecting it.	Greeting, apologizing, explaining, checking answers, accepting a correction, expressing doubt/ surprise
2. The teacher hands out a reading text (a story) and gives learners instructions for the pre-reading discussion task. The learners check the instructions with the teacher and then do the task in pairs before class feedback.	Asking for clarification, suggesting, giving reasons, negotiating, checking, repeating
3. The teacher sets the questions for the reading task. Learners do the task individually, then check in pairs before the teacher checks with the class.	Negotiating, confirming answers, agreeing, disagreeing, asking for an opinion, providing information, acknowledging (showing you have noticed)
4. The teacher asks the learners to retell the story in their own words, checking understanding of vocabulary at the same time. The teacher focuses on pronunciation of new vocabulary	Retelling a story, summarizing, explaining, giving a definition, speculating (making a guess using information about the situation), repeating, self-correcting
5. The teacher sets homework for the following day. The lesson ends.	Checking instructions, asking for clarification, confirming information, saying goodbye

Reference:

Spratt, M., Pulverness, A., & Williams, M. (2012). The TKT Teaching Knowledge Test Course Modules 1,2 and 3 (Vol. Second edition). United Kingdom: Cambridge English.