Part 3: What Makes a Good Lesson?

Here are three speaking part 3 questions with detailed sample answers.

1. What do you think makes a good lesson?

A good lesson is characterized by its ability to captivate and engage students. By using the term "engaging," I am referring to the idea that students should feel actively involved in the lesson and perceive that they are acquiring knowledge that is personally relevant to them. From my perspective, the effectiveness of a lesson heavily relies on the teacher's delivery method, ensuring that it resonates with the students. For instance, during my time in university, my favorite teacher encouraged active participation by assigning us to teach certain lessons ourselves. This approach not only sparked our interest but also enhanced our understanding of the subject matter.

Examples to illustrate the point:

• An engaging lesson I had was when my literature teacher brought in props and acted out scenes from a play we were studying. This made us more involved and helped us remember the content.
• Another example of an interesting lesson was when our science teacher organized a group experiment where we got to perform hands-on activities. It made the class challenging and exciting, and we were motivated to learn.

2. Do you think it’s better to have a teacher or to teach yourself?

While it is possible to learn independently, there is no substitute for a skilled teacher. Having a good teacher can significantly expedite the learning process. Consider the example of language learning - although books are a helpful resource for grammar and vocabulary, they cannot provide corrective feedback, which is crucial for improving accuracy. A teacher can pinpoint your mistakes, offer guidance, explain complex concepts, and create a supportive learning environment. Consequently, learning with the guidance of a teacher enables students to progress more efficiently.

Examples to illustrate the point:

• When I tried to learn a new instrument by myself, I faced difficulties and often lacked the motivation to continue. However, when I started taking lessons from a qualified teacher, my progress accelerated, as they provided valuable feedback and customized exercises.
• In language learning, relying solely on textbooks and online resources can be challenging when it comes to acquiring proper pronunciation and mastering correct usage. Having a teacher to correct my mistakes and provide real-time guidance improved my language skills significantly.

3. Do you think the traditional classroom will disappear in the future?

While I don't anticipate the complete disappearance of traditional classrooms, I do believe their prevalence may decline in the future. The current trend suggests that more individuals will opt for independent study using various technological tools, rather than confining themselves to a physical classroom. It is plausible to envision a scenario where students only attend physical classes once a week, utilizing the remaining time to follow online courses or access video lessons. This shift may result from the convenience and flexibility offered by online education platforms, which enable individuals to learn at their own pace and cater to their specific interests. However, it should be noted that certain subjects or disciplines, such as laboratory-based sciences or practical skills, may still require physical classroom settings for effective learning.

Examples to illustrate the point:

• Many universities and educational institutions are already offering online courses that allow students to study remotely without being present in a traditional classroom. This trend indicates a movement towards a more flexible and accessible education system.
• The COVID-19 pandemic forced many schools to transition to online learning, demonstrating that education can be effectively conducted outside of a traditional classroom environment. This experience has laid the foundation for the continued expansion of online learning options.