Drilling might seem like a relic of old-fashioned language teaching, but when used strategically, it still has a place in the modern ESL classroom. Let’s break down what it is, why you might use it, and practical examples to get you started.
What IS Drilling?
- Core Principle: Controlled repetition of targeted language structures. This could be individual sounds, vocabulary words, or grammatical patterns.
- Focus: Aims to build accuracy and automaticity (producing language without having to think about it too hard).
- Teacher-Led: Drills generally involve the teacher modeling the language, then students repeating in unison, and sometimes in smaller groups or individually.
Why Drill? Pros & Cons
PROS:
- Pronunciation Power: Drilling specific sounds or word stress patterns can help learners refine tricky aspects of spoken English.
- Grammar Foundation: For complex structures (verb tenses, question formation), repetition helps patterns sink in.
- Beginner Boost: New learners often feel overwhelmed; drills provide focused practice in a low-pressure way.
CONS:
- Boring if Overused: Variety is key! Drills should be short segments within a more engaging lesson.
- Doesn’t Equal Fluency: Students can parrot back in a drill, but not yet use the language creatively in conversation.
- Doesn’t Suit All Learners: Some students find repetition stressful rather than helpful.
How to Drill Effectively:
- Keep it Short & Focused: Aim for a few minutes per drill, targeting ONE specific problem area or new language element.
- Make it Dynamic:
- Choral Repetition: Whole class repeating together.
- Chain Drill: Students repeat in a sequence, each adding onto the previous (“I like tea.” “I like tea and coffee.” “I like tea and coffee but…” )
- Substitution Drill: Model a sentence pattern, students substitute with new vocabulary (“The cat is black.” “The dog is brown.”, etc.).
- Add a Twist:
- Vary Volume & Speed: Soft vs. loud, whisper vs. shout, slow vs. fast, keeps it playful
- Visual & Tactile: Use flashcards, objects, or clapping to the rhythm of the language alongside the verbal repetition.
Examples:
- Pronunciation: Focusing on the “th” sound, drill minimal pairs (words that differ only by that sound): three/free, bath/path
- Vocabulary: Showing pictures of food, practice “I like…” / “I don’t like…” sentence structure.
- Grammar (Present Continuous): Model “I am eating.”, students change the verb (jumping, reading…) while doing the actions.
Drilling Done Right: A Tool, Not the WHOLE Lesson
Think of drilling like practicing scales in music class. It’s necessary groundwork, but not the whole performance. Use it judiciously in these situations:
- Warm-Up: Get mouths moving, review a previous concept briefly.
- Targeted Error Correction: If everyone struggles with the same grammar point, a quick drill isolates for practice.
- Confidence Booster: When new material feels overwhelming, a “success guaranteed” drill reassures shy students.
Then, layer in that communicative practice! Have them USE the drilled structure in a game, conversation task, or story-writing prompt. This shows them the purpose of the accurate form you drilled.