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CHUYÊN ĐỀ HỘI THẢO CHUYÊN MÔN NĂM 2024
MÔN: TIẾNG ANH
TOPIC:
HOW
TO
DEVELOP
ELOQUENCE
IN
SPEAKING
FOR
GIFTED STUDENTS.
Gifted students, with their exceptional intellectual capabilities, often find
themselves in positions where they must communicate complex ideas and lead
others.
The
ability
to
speak
eloquently
can
enhance
their
influence
and
effectiveness in these roles. Eloquence encompasses not just the clarity and
fluency of speech but also the power to persuade and captivate audiences. This
essay provides an in-depth exploration of strategies and techniques for gifted
students
to
develop
eloquence
in
speaking,
covering
vocabulary
building,
articulation, confidence, emotional intelligence, storytelling, and overcoming
common challenges.
The
aim
of
this
research
is
investigating
the
methods
in
Foreign
Language Teaching To Linguistically Gifted Students. This is an analytical-
logical research that has been done through content analysis. Also the data of
this research have been obtained through the library. Communicative language
teaching can be set as a set of principles related to language learning goals, how
to learn a language with a learner, the types of classroom activities that best
facilitate learning, and the role of the learner and teacher. The ability of children
to speak two languages is extremely important and brings countless benefits to
children. Teaching children a foreign language enhances their memory and
enhances learning and understanding of different concepts in children. It is
therefore advisable to start teaching foreign language to children at a younger
age in order to raise more intelligent and talented children. The level of foreign
language learning in children is much deeper than in other people, and it is
2
recommended that foreign language learning be initiated from childhood (Gali,
et al, 2018). Sagitova believed that “it is necessary to improve the content of
education to solve the problem of the individualization of education” (Sagitova,
R.R. (2014). Teaching foreign language to Linguistically Gifted Students plays
a very important role in their future lives, because by institutionalizing these
skills and mastering them in a second language, they can accelerate their
intellectual
and
intellectual
development.
In
addition,
fluency
in
another
language creates better job opportunities and a brighter future for them (Davis
& Rimm, 2004; Taylor, 2000, Robinson, et al. 2007; Watts & Watts, 1993). The
aim of this research is determining Communicative Competence role in Foreign
Language
Teaching
To
Linguistically
Gifted
Students
(Faraji
&
Poshtdar,
2018).
This is an analytical-logical research that has been done through content
analysis. Also, the data of this research have been obtained through the library.
There are three main ways to teach foreign language to language-proficient
students that most educational institutions and systems use one of these three
methods. Applying each of these methods depends on the age of the student, his
or her educational system, and the parents' view of the language learning
problem. In some ways the student learns foreign language faster and in some
ways more freedom to choose learning (Fakhrutdinova & Kondrateva, 2016).
In this model of learning, the gifted student in rabbits is completely
immersed
in
another
language
environment.
In
bilingual
kindergartens,
educators speak a second language aimed at learning, and at school children
spend at least half of their time learning the second language during the day. In
the complete immersion method, which is used in a few schools, students learn
all the subjects of mathematics, science and history in a second language. In this
way, learning a second language, rather than being a subject for learning, is
itself a means of teaching other subjects, and the child is subconsciously forced
to learn it. Students who learn the language in this way are more successful in
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speaking the second language in a proper and complete dialect and reach higher
levels of language learning (Winebrenner, 2000; Betts & Kerscher, 1999). The
linguistic creativity of students is understood as “a set of abilities to create
objectively and subjectively new ideal products using native and / or foreign
language, producing oral and written statements based on divergent thinking
with students' desire for creative speech activity” (Tyuleneva, 2012; Panfilova,
2015; Clasen & Clasen, 1995).
THE LINGUISTIC MARVELS OF GIFTED STUDENTS
Gifted
students
have
always
captivated
the
interest
of
researchers
and educators alike,
thanks
to
their
extraordinary
abilities
across
various
domains. While their intellectual brilliance has been well-documented, this blog
post aims to shed light on a fascinating aspect of their remarkable talents: their
distinctive linguistic abilities. By delving into the captivating realm of language,
we will uncover the unique linguistic characteristics that set gifted students
apart
from
their
peers.
This
exploration
represents
the
culmination
of
an
extensive research endeavour, seeking to unravel the complex intricacies of
gifted students' linguistic aptitude.
Before delving into the research findings, I would like to share my personal
observations of working with gifted students who demonstrate exceptional
language capabilities. The students I currently work with are around 10 to 12
years old. When I compare them to their peers or gifted students who do not
exhibit noteworthy language abilities, I've noticed two striking things: their
fluency in speaking and their accelerated language learning ability.
First and foremost, their exceptional speaking skills stand out. They speak
fluently, a proficiency primarily developed through frequent exposure to and
acquisition of new language chunks. In conversations with these gifted students
about their English language development, they shared that YouTube videos are
their go-to resource. It's truly surprising to learn that they primarily learn from
videos, but their claims are supported by their parents as well.
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The second notable aspect is their accelerated learning pace and ability to
demonstrate
substantial
language
development
within
a
relatively
short
timeframe. It's crucial to clarify that I'm not referring to merely achieving better
grades in language classes after the first exams. As we know, exam scores may
not accurately reflect a student's true academic performance. Most students
engage in last-minute cramming the night before their exams, memorizing
language material covered in the lessons, and regurgitating it without truly
internalizing it. However, I'm specifically referring to a profound transformation
in
their
language
abilities
and
their
capability
to
showcase
it.
While
it's
challenging to determine the exact duration for this change, it certainly doesn't
happen overnight or in a matter of days or weeks. It's genuinely remarkable to
witness the noteworthy transformation in their language abilities by the end of
my classes, a change that often goes unnoticed among their peers.
Now, let's delve into a more detailed exploration of the linguistic abilities
displayed by gifted students.
ENHANCED VOCABULARY ACQUISITION
Gifted
students
possess
an
astonishing
capacity
for
vocabulary
acquisition.
They
exhibit
an
innate
curiosity
and
an
insatiable
hunger
for
knowledge,
which
drives
them
to
explore
a
vast
array
of
subjects.
This
unquenchable thirst for learning results in a rich and diverse vocabulary that
surpasses their age or grade level. These budding wordsmiths effortlessly grasp
complex terms, idiomatic expressions, and subtle nuances of meaning, enabling
them
to
articulate
their
thoughts
with
remarkable
precision
and
depth.
Numerous studies have shown that gifted students have larger vocabularies than
their peers and can learn new words more swiftly and effectively (Nation,
2006). Factors such as exposure to diverse sources of information, motivation to
acquire
new
words,
and
memory
strategies
contribute
to
their
vocabulary
acquisition.
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ADVANCED LANGUAGE PROCESSING AND COMPREHENSION
Gifted
students
demonstrate
an
exceptional
ability
to
process
and
comprehend language at an accelerated pace. Their quick thinking and cognitive
agility
enable
them
to
swiftly
analyze
and
interpret
complex
linguistic
structures. Whether deciphering intricate sentence constructions or grasping
abstract concepts embedded within texts, their heightened linguistic cognition
allows for an unparalleled comprehension of language that surpasses their
chronological age. For instance, gifted students can easily comprehend texts
involving poetic devices like metaphors, similes, or personification, as well as
texts exploring philosophical concepts such as ethics, logic, or metaphysics.
They can infer meanings from context clues or background knowledge and
establish connections between different texts or ideas.
ELOQUENCE AND EXPRESSIVENESS
Gifted students possess remarkable eloquence and expressiveness that
captivate their audience. Their well-developed linguistic skills, combined with
innate creativity, enable them to articulate their thoughts with eloquence and
flair. They have a natural command of rhetoric, employing persuasive language,
vivid imagery, and sophisticated rhetorical devices to effectively convey their
ideas. This proficiency in verbal expression empowers them to engage in
meaningful discourse and communicate complex ideas beyond their years. For
instance, gifted students can employ persuasive language to convince others of
their opinions or arguments, utilizing facts, statistics, or testimonials. They can
also employ vivid imagery to create sensory impressions or evoke emotional
responses in their listeners or readers, incorporating descriptive adjectives,
adverbs, or figurative language. Furthermore, they can employ sophisticated
rhetorical devices to enhance their expression or style, utilizing techniques such
as parallelism, repetition, or irony.
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METALINGUISTIC AWARENESS
One of the distinguishing features of gifted students is their heightened
metalinguistic awareness. They possess an acute understanding of language
structures, grammar rules, and stylistic elements. This awareness enables them
to analyze and manipulate language with finesse, effortlessly discerning subtle
nuances of meaning and purposefully employing them. Their metalinguistic
prowess
not
only
enhances
their
own communication but
also
lays
the
foundation for their aptitude in foreign languages, creative writing, and other
language-related domains.
MULTILINGUAL PROFICIENCY
Gifted students often display a natural inclination to acquire multiple
languages with remarkable ease. Their cognitive flexibility and a keen interest
in
linguistic
exploration
equip
them
with
the
ability
to
navigate
diverse
linguistic
systems.
Whether
through
formal
instruction
or
self-guided
exploration, they demonstrate an aptitude for mastering languages beyond their
native tongue. This multilingual proficiency not only broadens their cultural
horizons
but
also
enhances
their
cross-cultural communication and
appreciation.
In addition to the aforementioned linguistic abilities, gifted students
frequently exhibit other remarkable characteristics. For example, they often
display a strong interest in the origins of language and how it functions. Some
even pursue advanced studies in linguistic disciplines. (Currently, we have a
high school student who is accepted as a visiting student to a prestigious
university to attend lessons in the Latin language department.) Moreover, they
may excel in using language for creative purposes, such as writing poetry or
fiction. Additionally, gifted students often possess a keen ear for language,
readily picking up on nuances of meaning and tone.
These linguistic characteristics can significantly impact the lives of gifted
students. Their strong vocabulary and comprehension skills provide them with a
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head start in school, while their critical thinking abilities help them become
effective communicators. Moreover, their creativity and sensitivity to language
make them valuable contributors to the arts and humanities.
It is important to note that not all gifted students will exhibit all of the
linguistic characteristics discussed above. However, these characteristics are
more prevalent among gifted students than in the general population. If you
suspect that your child may be gifted, it is crucial to communicate with their
teacher or a school psychologist. They can assist you in assessing your child's
abilities and developing a plan to support their linguistic development.
By understanding the linguistic abilities of gifted students, we can better
support
their
educational
and
personal
growth.
By
providing
them
with
opportunities to utilize their language skills in various ways, we can help them
reach their full potential and make a positive impact on the world.
The distinctive linguistic talents exhibited by gifted students serve as a
testament to their exceptional cognitive and linguistic aptitude. Their insatiable
curiosity, advanced language processing, eloquence, metalinguistic awareness,
and multilingual proficiency collectively contribute to their linguistic prowess.
By
recognizing
and
nurturing
these
unique
abilities, educators can
tailor
instructional
approaches
to
cater
to
the
specific
needs
of
gifted
students.
Through understanding and harnessing their linguistic talents, we can empower
gifted students to achieve their full potential and make significant contributions
to the ever-evolving landscape of language and communication.
If talented students start teaching at an early age, students will learn the
pronunciation of words correctly. In this way, they enjoy their opportunity for
deep and conceptual language learning and without any hurry to learn the
language. Their cognitive skills can be easily reinforced by teaching them
foreign language and incorporating language concepts into their minds. This
idea is reflected in the scientific work of foreign researchers: J. Kagan (2011),
A. Passow (2009), J. Whitemore (2012), J. Renzulli (1982) and others (Rasaee
8
et al, 2018). The development of foreign language subtypes is influenced by
various factors such as cognitive, individual, and social factors that have been
investigated in a wide range of individual factors in language education studies,
but so far in these studies, communication competencies as a factor No one has
received serious attention. On the other hand, some linguistic interactions,
which are among the key elements of the ability to use intermediate language
skills, have the "threat of competence" feature. This makes the impact or
relevance
of
communication
competencies
-
which
are
directly
related
to
individuals' ability and skill in managing and controlling emotions - very likely
to be mediated by the ability to use language (Andreev, 2010; Wolfson, 2003;
Dzhurinskiy, 1999; Panov, 2003; Savenkov, 2000; Ratner, 2009; Bogin, 1984).
5.
Conclusion
Communicative
language
teaching
can
be
set
as
a
set
of
principles related to language learning goals, how to learn a language with a
learner, the types of classroom activities that best facilitate learning, and the role
of the learner and teacher. In this regard, scientists differently determine the
linguistic abilities underlying the linguistic talent:
- as “individual psychological personality characteristics characterizing
the speed and ease of acquiring linguistic knowledge, ensuring the speed of
language
acquisition
and
the
effectiveness
of
language
use
in
the
communication process”;
- as “a complex education that allows them mastering foreign language
speech
activity
at
the
expense
of
basic
cognitive
mental
processes
and
motivational and personal qualities of a person”;
-
as
“special
abilities
to
master
a
foreign
language,
which
are
a
combination of individual psychological qualities of the students’ intellect and
their personality, determining ease of learning the material and its use in speech
activity in a foreign language” ( Shibkova, 2000, p.166].
1.
The Importance of Eloquence
Eloquence in speaking is vital for several reasons. It enhances the ability to:
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- Communicate Complex Ideas Clearly: Gifted students frequently deal with
intricate concepts that need to be communicated effectively to others who may
not share the same level of understanding.
-
Influence
and
Persuade:
The
power
to
persuade
is
crucial
in
debates,
presentations, and leadership roles. Eloquence enables students to advocate
convincingly for their ideas and initiatives.
- Build Confidence: Effective speaking can significantly boost a student's self-
confidence,
enabling
them
to
tackle
more
challenging
tasks
and
seize
opportunities.
- Engage and Inspire: Eloquence helps in creating engaging and inspiring
messages that can motivate and unite people towards common goals.
2. Building a Strong Vocabulary
A robust vocabulary is essential for eloquent speech. Gifted students should
continuously work on expanding their vocabulary through various methods:
-
Reading
Widely:
Exposure
to
a
variety
of
genres,
including
literature,
scientific journals, and contemporary works, introduces students to new words
and phrases.
- Using Word Lists and Flashcards: Regular practice with word lists and
flashcards can help reinforce new vocabulary.
- Understanding Contextual Usage: Learning how words are used in different
contexts ensures that students can apply them accurately in their own speech.
- Exploring Synonyms and Antonyms: Understanding synonyms and antonyms
helps
students
appreciate
the
nuances
of
meaning
and
select
the
most
appropriate words for their message.
- Engaging in Word Games: Activities such as crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and
word association games can make vocabulary building fun and effective.
3. Articulation and Pronunciation
Clear articulation and correct pronunciation are critical for eloquence. Gifted
students can improve these aspects through:
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-
Phonetic
Exercises:
Regular
practice
with
phonetic
exercises,
including
tongue twisters and diction drills, can enhance pronunciation.
- Speech Therapy: For students with specific speech difficulties, working with a
speech therapist can provide tailored strategies and support.
- Listening to Proficient Speakers: Imitating proficient speakers, such as public
figures and broadcasters, helps students refine their articulation.
- Recording and Reviewing: Recording their own speeches and reviewing them
critically,
with
feedback
from
mentors
or
peers,
can
highlight
areas
for
improvement.
4. Developing Confidence: Confidence is a crucial element of eloquence.
Gifted students often face high expectations, which can affect their confidence.
Strategies to build confidence include:
-
Thorough
Preparation:
Being
well-prepared
reduces
anxiety
and
boosts
confidence. This includes researching, scripting, and rehearsing speeches or
presentations.
- Positive Visualization: Visualizing successful speaking engagements can help
reduce nervousness and build confidence.
- Gradual Exposure: Starting with smaller, less intimidating speaking tasks and
gradually increasing the complexity and audience size can help build confidence
incrementally.
- Supportive Environments: Creating supportive, non-judgmental environments
where students can practice and receive constructive feedback is essential.
- Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Teaching mindfulness and relaxation
techniques can help students manage anxiety and maintain composure during
speaking engagements.
5. Emotional Intelligence and Audience Engagement
Understanding
and
connecting
with
the
audience
is
vital
for
effective
communication. Emotional intelligence plays a significant role in this:
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-
Empathy:
Encouraging
students
to
consider
the
audience’s
perspectives,
emotions, and needs helps them tailor their messages effectively.
- Active Listening: Developing active listening skills ensures that students can
respond appropriately to audience feedback and questions.
- Non-Verbal Communication: Mastering body language, eye contact, and facial
expressions enhances the overall impact of a speech.
-
Captivating
Openings
and
Closings:
Crafting
engaging
openings
and
memorable closings can significantly enhance a speech's impact. Techniques
such as anecdotes, quotes, or provocative questions can be particularly effective.
6. The Power of Storytelling
Storytelling
is
a
powerful
tool
for
making
speeches
more
engaging
and
memorable. Gifted students can harness storytelling by:
- Incorporating Personal Stories: Personal anecdotes make speeches relatable
and authentic, helping to build a connection with the audience.
- Using Metaphors and Analogies: These literary devices simplify complex
ideas and make them more accessible.
- Structuring Stories Effectively: Understanding the elements of a good story—
such as a clear beginning, middle, and end, along with conflict and resolution—
helps students craft compelling narratives.
- Practicing Delivery: The way a story is told can be just as important as the
content. Students should practice their delivery to ensure it is engaging and
dynamic.
- Engaging the Senses: Describing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and tactile
experiences in stories makes them more vivid and immersive for the audience.
7. Overcoming Common Challenges
Developing eloquence can be challenging, and gifted students may face specific
obstacles. Here are common challenges and strategies to overcome them:
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- Fear of Public Speaking: Many students experience anxiety about public
speaking. Techniques such as gradual exposure, mindfulness exercises, and
professional coaching can help alleviate this fear.
- Perfectionism: Gifted students often hold themselves to high standards. It's
important to emphasize progress over perfection and encourage them to learn
from mistakes.
- Balancing Passion with Clarity: While passion is important, it should not
overshadow clarity. Students should practice balancing emotional expression
with clear and logical communication.
- Adapting to Different Audiences: Gifted students may need to adjust their
speaking style based on the audience. Practicing with diverse groups can help
them become more adaptable.
- Handling Criticism: Teaching students to handle criticism constructively can
help them grow and improve their speaking skills.
8. Practical Applications and Exercises
To reinforce these strategies, gifted students can engage in various practical
exercises:
- Debates and Discussions: Participating in debates and discussions on a variety
of topics can improve critical thinking, articulation, and persuasive skills.
-
Public
Speaking
Clubs:
Joining
clubs
such
as
Toastmasters
provides
a
structured environment for regular practice and feedback.
- Impromptu Speaking: Practicing impromptu speaking helps students think on
their feet and articulate ideas spontaneously.
- Speech Competitions: Competing in speech contests can provide valuable
experience and motivation to refine their speaking skills.
- Role-Playing Exercises: Role-playing different scenarios can help students
practice speaking in various contexts and improve their adaptability.
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9. The Role of Technology: In today's digital age, technology can be a
powerful aid in developing eloquence. Gifted students can leverage technology
in the following ways:
- Online Courses and Tutorials: Platforms like Coursera, Udemy, and Khan
Academy offer courses on public speaking and communication skills.
- Speech Analysis Software: Tools like Speechify and Grammarly can help
students refine their speeches by providing feedback on grammar, tone, and
clarity.
- Virtual Reality: VR platforms can simulate speaking environments, allowing
students to practice in a controlled, immersive setting.
- Recording and Playback: Using smartphones or cameras to record and review
speeches helps students identify areas for improvement.
- Webinars and Online Forums: Participating in webinars and online discussion
forums can provide additional practice and expose students to diverse speaking
styles and techniques.
10. The Influence of Cultural and Social Context
Understanding
cultural
and
social
contexts
is
crucial
for
effective
communication. Gifted students should be aware of:
- Cultural Sensitivity: Being mindful of cultural differences in communication
styles and etiquette ensures that their message is respectful and appropriate.
- Social Dynamics: Understanding the social dynamics of their audience helps
students tailor their message to be more impactful.
-
Language
Nuances:
Recognizing
and
appropriately
using
colloquialisms,
idioms, and local expressions can make their speech more relatable to specific
audiences.
11. Mentorship and Peer Support
Having
mentors
and
supportive
peers
can
significantly
enhance
the
development of eloquence:
14
- Finding a Mentor: A mentor can provide guidance, feedback, and support,
helping students navigate the challenges of developing eloquence.
- Peer Review: Engaging in peer review sessions allows students to receive
constructive feedback and learn from each other's strengths and weaknesses.
- Collaborative Practice: Working with peers in group exercises and practice
sessions fosters a collaborative learning environment.
12. Continuous Improvement
Eloquence is not a destination but a journey of continuous improvement. Gifted
students should adopt a mindset of lifelong learning and self-improvement:
- Setting Goals: Regularly setting and reviewing personal goals helps students
stay focused and motivated.
- Seeking Feedback: Actively seeking feedback from a variety of sources,
including teachers, mentors, peers, and audiences, provides valuable insights for
improvement.
- Reflective Practice: Reflecting on their speaking experiences and identifying
areas for growth helps students continuously refine their skills.
- Staying Informed: Keeping up with current events, trends, and advancements
in their field of interest ensures that their content remains relevant and engaging.
Conclusion
By embracing eloquence beyond language barriers, you open doors to a
world of untapped potential, innovation, and success. Let's build a future where
talent, creativity, and ideas speak louder than linguistic proficiency, enriching
our workplaces and driving collective progress.
Remember, diversity and inclusivity are not just buzzwords; they are the
keys to unlocking the true potential of your workforce and your business.
Developing eloquence in speaking is a multifaceted and ongoing process.
For gifted students, mastering this skill can unlock new opportunities and enable
them to make a significant impact in their academic, professional, and personal
15
lives.
By
building
a
strong
vocabulary,
improving
articulation,
boosting
confidence,
understanding
emotional
intelligence,
harnessing
the
power
of
storytelling, and leveraging technology, gifted students can become.
16
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