Peer Review: Teaching English to Large Multilevel Classes Majoring In Math, Biology and Chemistry by Using 'Burst the Balloon' and 'Talking Chips' Techniques

Abstract

English for Math, Biology, and Chemistry Departments is meant as ESP which more or less trains the students to be able to master the four language skills in the academic context such as expressing opinions, delivering a presentation, having a group discussion, etc. One of the skills, the speaking one, is quite difficult to do in the situation where the number of the students is more than one hundred in every session. Based on the teacher's preliminary observation from a presentation conducted during a session, the students of Math, Biology and Chemistry Departments are basically able to use English although their levels of proficiency are various. By adopting 'Burst the Balloon' technique suggested by Natalie Hess (2010) in dealing with large multilevel classes and 'Talking Chips' technique , the students can be stimulated to do an active speaking activity during the session. The significance of the activities is giving opportunities for each students to practice speaking English in a conducive and enjoyable circumstances. The success or failures of the techniques are assessed in terms of teacher's observation and students' opinion from the questionnaire.