Title:
ISSUES AND TECHNIQUES FOR USING DIALOGS IN TESOL

Authors:
Edward Povey

Abstract:
A common feature of English language learning textbooks is the inclusion of pre-scripted simulated dialogs to introduce and model new language. Despite the drawbacks of simulated dialogs, in that they do not exactly replicate the features real interactions, they continue to be a recurring component of many mass-market ESL/EFL textbooks. Many textbooks feature an example dialog on the first page of each unit as a way of setting the context of the communication and showing how new vocabulary and expressions are used within interactions. Considering this prevalence, this paper looks at issues surrounding dialogs, the differences of authentic and simulated dialogs, using dialogs for listening and speaking skills, common scaffolding steps with dialogs, and finally some less conventional activities and techniques that teachers can use in lessons that contain dialogs.

Keywords:
TESOL, dialogs, dialogues, textbook activities, modeling, scaffolding, controlled practice

DOI:
http://dx.doi.org/10.37500/IJESSR.2021.4427