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The problem with language teaching

I volunteered in a French school yesterday.  The aim of the day was to engage French children in English conversation. 

The children had questions written down which they had to ask in English.  They were aged between 12 and 16.  Faced with 2 pupils aged 15 I answered the first question clearly and simply but they didn't understand the answer.  A rapid conversation in French passed between them and they then asked me in French if I would write down the answer.

'If I write down the answer you won't learn anything,' I said in French.  They asked the teacher what to do.

'Of course you can write down the answers for them and they can study them  later'!

Listening skills?  Speaking skills?  I give up

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