Classroom functions (teacher and learners)

These refer to the purposes for which we use language in the classroom.
Think about a basic PPP lesson. How many functions might the teacher need at the presentation stage?

Here are some common classroom exponents. What function do you think is being served in each?

1. "Ok everybody, please look at the board."
2. "What can you see in this picture?"
3. "What do we call a person who designs houses, an arch....."
4. "Listen carefully: He works as an architect".
5. "Does he work in a hospital?"
6. "Min Su - does he work in a bank?"
7. "Ok, I'd like you to take a look at this sentence and tell me what is missing."

The answers are: Getting learners' attention, eliciting, prompting, modelling, concept checking, nominating and instructing.

It is important to consider appropricacy when choosing our exponents for classroom functions. We need to think about our classroom environment and our learners' characteristics.  We also need to think about grading our language, making it clear exactly what we want our learners to do.

"So, ah. I'd kind of like you guys to open your book to page fifty.....fifty four, no sorry, fifty five and ah, look at the text."

Think carefully about sequencing your instructions. Do you want to explain what you want students to do with a handout before you distribute it or after? Why?

Learners also need language to express particular functions in the classroom. Take a look at some of these common learner exponents. What functions do they serve?

1. "Sorry I don't understand."
2. "Could I have the answer to number 2 please?"
3. "Do we start on page 4?"
4. "An architect is a person who designs buildings."
5. "I don't think that is right".

Answers: Expressing confusion, checking answers, asking for clarification, providing a definition and disagreeing.

Learner functional exponents are often taught as chunks e.g. "Excuse me, could I borrow your _____?" and are generally neutral ore neutral/formal in style.
This language can be used by students outside the classroom, in different contexts so it is worth spending some time modelling and practising it with our learners.