2 ways to use WhatsApp in your TOEFL speaking class

Time constrictions are probably one of the biggest challenges involving TOEFL preparation. Here’s how you can empower your private learners to perform well on the test with some simple ways of using whatsapp.

I. delayed error correction

Whenever we are working skills involving speaking (and I say that because the speaking component of TOEFL actually also requires reading and writing too), we both do the task.

My classes are remote so I simply turn off the volume in my computer and send a WhatsApp message with the answer, which the student also does. at the same time. I think that's great because my students get to see a version of the answer of someone who, as a candidate, scored 29/30. Moreover, it's excellent because while they to my recording, I have an opportunity to listen to theirs and prepare feedback for their errors.

This has been encouraging my students to provide more simple answers, and to become more organised.

I have heard from three of them already: “Teacher, your answer is so much simpler than mine! Is that what someone who scored 29/30 should say?”

I always say, “Probably. The more you complicate, the less natural you sound. It’s not a matter of using difficult words, but speaking fluidly and confidently.”

We both send our answers and then listen to what the other produced

II. WhatsApp for TOEFL speaking homework

There are two ways I have been using WhatsApp in my TOEFL classes. The first is assigning homework for the speaking tasks. I find it is fast and dynamic, and students can keep track of their progress easily. On top of that, it makes it more difficult for them to cheat, as you can't pause WhatsApp. They can do that either with the program in front of them, or with a countdown timer like this one: http://www.online-stopwatch.com/countdown-timer/

Here are my strategy/feedback notes, which I have shared with him: 

I take notes on mistakes while I listen. This can be turned into homework

PS: always countdown, never up cause that's what they get in the exam. 

What about you? Any creative ideas? I find most students are addicted to technology nowadays and we can certainly use that to help them learn English more pleasant and efficiently.