Pam CO #1

“Looking for beautiful mistakes”, that was the way Wallace Gowen’s 1-B speaking class began.  The students looked at sentences created by other classmates that were incorrect. One example: “He favorite restaurant is Tony’s”.  In pairs, the students corrected the mistakes and Mr. Gowen asked the students if they knew why the changes were needed and then if necessary he explained.  

The class of 4 listened as Mr. Gowen outlined what the day’s topics and activities would be.  He spoke slowly, clearly and more importantly and what surprised me, he addressed each student often; asking if they understood what he was explaining. They had to acknowledge individually yes or no. 

During the speaking-conversation portion that followed, he listened to a response and immediately commented on the answer.  If necessary he corrected not only the speaking portion but also the conceptual part.  The activity was to tell your classmate what your dream home would be.  There was no hiding from the teacher or avoiding conversation in this classroom setting- everyone was talking.