The Callan Method

Question

I'm an english teacher who's satarted working in a new academy using the callan method, this is something new for me 'cause I've never worked with this method before, I'm trying to do my best but the head of studies keeps telling me that I'm not doing it correctly...The question is: How am I supposed to do the correct thing without having had a trainning before? and What can I do to improve myself and stop making mistakes in the class? I know that I've always been a good teacher, at least at the place where I worked before, my former boss never complaint about me, in fact I also had the chance of becoming head of studies in that academy, but I didn't accept it, my former students were really happy with me and the way I explained the lessons; Why am I getting nervous now about teaching and why am I losing my confidence in it?
I'd be grateful if somebody could help me out in learning the use of this method...
Thank you!!!

Charles D.

Philip · Accepted Answer

This particular forum is specifically for dealing with grammar and vocabulary.  We do have another forum on this site that might get you some results for this particular question.  Otherwise, a quick search via Google might produce something for you.  Good luck.

CalifJim · Answer

From the little I've read on the Callan Method, you as a teacher have to "go along with the program", robotically following the method as outlined by its developers. You have no choice. You are a cog in the wheel. You might succeed better by keeping your creativity under control and just repeating the words and sentences you're supposed to repeat and quizzing the students just as the method dictates. You are basically there as the producer of native-speaker English and to drill, drill, drill the students until they can perform the required tasks automatically.

As I understand it, the method shuns grammar, so don't attempt to explain anything in terms of grammar. You'll definitely be singled out for not following the method properly. Another thing I read somewhere is that speed is important. You can't slow down or take breaks. Just keep pouring it on. Keep the students totally active with their responses as much as you can.

I could be wrong, but, as I say, that's the impression I have of that method. Supposedly it works very well for beginners but not necessarily for more advanced students. Also, it's regarded as somewhat tiring for both teacher and student in spite of its good results.

Good luck!

CJ

Pellisier · Answer

I'm curious - can you tell us which country you're teaching in?

Dave Phillips · Answer

Funny you should post this. I'm doing the CELTA and have to write an essay on a student. My student has attended 10 months and done the first 4 books of the callum method. I had never heard of it.

I was going to ask if there was anybody who teaches it. For the little I know I agree whole heartly with CJ's comments.

Hope that helps.

Dave

Anonymous · Answer

I Taught the Callan Method for 5 years, You must stick to the book and talk at about 2 or 3 times average talking speed whilst listening for, repeating and correcting pronunciation errors IE "Not issapen... It's a pen"

The Callan Method

Top answer

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

Related Questions