teaching vocabulary presentation practice production

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PPP Technique in TEFL

Presentation, practice and production.

The PPP technique in teaching is a common way to introduce students to new words and concepts. This can be especially useful in the EFL classroom. The PPP method in English teaching is a three-step lesson plan and teaching approach that helps the student learn, understand and practice new vocabulary.

The three stages of a PPP lesson

There are three stages in a PPP TEFL lesson.

Firstly, the teacher presents the new word, an event which involves the presentation of pronunciation and spelling in context.

Next, the teacher allows the students to practice the new word in a controlled setting, making sure the student has understood the vocabulary and usage properly.

Lastly comes the production stage, where there is a period of less-controlled practice and an informal assessment of learning. This is where the students get chance to use the new word or phrase in an original way and to relate it to their knowledge and experiences.

These three stages of a PPP lesson help the student to consolidate the new word in their mental vocabulary bank.

The sequence of a PPP lesson in EFL teaching

This EFL teaching method of presentation, practice and production is an approach that follows a definite sequence:

The teacher presents the new vocabulary and explains the form of the language in a meaningful context.
The students practise this new vocabulary through controlled activities such as worksheets or question and answer activities to check comprehension.
The students use or produce what they have learned in a communicative activity such as a role-play, communication game, or question and answer session.

Teaching English using the PPP technique

Each stage of the Presentation, Practice and Production lesson must be planned well to be effective. However, the PPP method in TEFL is a highly flexible approach to teaching and there are many different activities a teacher can employ for each stage.

Presentation can include mime, drawing and audio. In fact, it is a good idea to try to engage with the students’ different senses to get across the meaning of the new word, using visual, kinaesthetic (movement) and audio techniques.

It is also important to make sure that students have understood the new word before encouraging them to practise it. It is often fun and highly effective for students to play games to practise vocabulary and to produce it.

Current debate about the PPP technique in TEFL

In recent times, there has been increasing debate surrounding the PPP method of teaching, with many critics asking if teachers should be using the PPP technique so often in the EFL classroom.

Some critics of the PPP method in TEFL think it can be too formal and structured, with too little focus on student interaction. However, we think the PPP technique in EFL teaching offers a very flexible base from which to construct a lesson that is highly student-centred.

For ideas on ways to present new vocabulary and check comprehension , and activities which allow students to practice and produce their vocabulary , please browse this PPP teaching section.

Is the PPP method old fashioned or is it still a useful and effective way to teach?
Do you use the PPP technique in TEFL?
What is your favourite way to present new vocabulary?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments box below.

9 thoughts on “ PPP Technique in TEFL ”

may I know who is the actual founder of PPP technique?

Sorry Sifa, we don’t know who originally developed the PPP technique. Can any readers help?

Yes, it was Jeremy Harmer. 😉

Thanks for this information, Miri! If any readers want to check out Jeremy Harmer’s explorations of the PPP technique, you can read more in his book: ‘How to Teach English’, published by Longman.

Catherine may you please help me with the same book by Jeremy Harmer, on soft copy I will highly appreciate it.

Hi Grace, Jeremy Harmer’s book can be found online to read or download at academia.edu.

It PPP useful and used in teaching reading?

Hi Muharram, thanks for your question. Yes the PPP method can be used to teach all areas of language, including reading.

In this type of lesson, any new target words would be presented in the early part of the class (pre-reading) before the student meets the vocabulary within a longer written text. While reading the text during the ‘practice’ stage, students should be able to identify the individual ideas expressed and understand how the new words are used in context.

After reading, students can analyse the material and discuss the text, hold a questions/answer session or write about it in the production stage. This helps them deepen their understanding and test their reading comprehension. I hope this gives you a few ideas – I’ll be adding more details about using the PPP method to teach reading and writing soon.

Can somebody help me with these questions of Unit 3 i-to-i (180 hour units) please:

Match the description to the stages to make a complete PPP lesson. The aim of the lesson is expressing past habits with ‘used to’ + infinitive. For example, When I was younger, I used to watch cartoons.

The teacher repeats the model sentence with natural linking, stress and intonation. The class repeats.

1)Teacher asks, “Did he play football in the past?” (Yes) “Does he play football now?” (No).

2)Teacher says ‘used to’ + infinitive can be used to talk about things we regularly did in the past, but don’t do now.

3)The students answer conversation questions about their childhood to introduce them to the topic.

4)The teacher asks some individuals how many people share their thoughts on living in London and corrects some errors if they are made.

5)The learners use the target language to talk about how their lives are different now they live in London and compare their country’s cultures to the UK.

6)The teacher writes the model sentence on the board. When I was younger, he used to play football. Draws a box round ‘used to’ and writes ‘infinitive’ over play.

7)Learners choose an activity they enjoyed as children then walk round the class asking if other people used to do the same thing. For example, Did you use to watch cartoons?

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PPP Method in TEFL: A Comprehensive Guide for English Teachers

teaching vocabulary presentation practice production

February 9, 2024

English language teaching | ppp method in esl | teaching english as a foreign language | tefl lesson planning | tefl methodology, 0 comments(s).

The PPP (Presentation, Practice, Production) method stands as a cornerstone in teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). This proven approach provides a structured framework for educators to effectively impart new language concepts. In this guide, we explore the PPP method, offering insights on each stage, strategies for crafting ESL lesson plans, and adaptability to diverse teaching scenarios.

Understanding the PPP Method

The PPP method revolves around three distinct stages:

Presentation

In this initial phase, instructors introduce new language elements within a meaningful context. Employing diverse techniques such as mime, realia, or multimedia aids, teachers elucidate the form, meaning, and pronunciation of the language. Concept questions gauge student comprehension, ensuring clarity before proceeding.

The practice stage entails structured activities aimed at consolidating newly acquired language skills. Through exercises like drills, gap fills, or Q&A sessions, students engage in controlled practice to reinforce understanding. Teachers provide guidance, offering feedback and correction as students navigate these activities.

The production phase fosters communicative competence as students apply the language in authentic contexts. Role-plays, discussions, or writing tasks encourage free expression, allowing learners to demonstrate proficiency independently. Teachers observe and provide feedback, refining language skills and promoting fluency.

The PPP method boasts several advantages, including its logical progression, varied exposure to language, ample practice opportunities, and emphasis on communication.

Crafting ESL Lesson Plans Using the PPP Method

Constructing effective ESL lesson plans with the PPP method involves meticulous planning and consideration of various elements:

Student Level and Needs : Tailor lessons to accommodate the proficiency levels and learning objectives of students.
Target Language : Identify specific vocabulary or grammar structures to be addressed in each lesson.
Materials and Resources : Select relevant teaching aids, such as textbooks, multimedia tools, or online resources.
Time Management : Allocate appropriate time for each stage of the lesson to ensure comprehensive coverage.
Assessment and Feedback : Establish criteria for assessing student progress and providing constructive feedback.

A sample lesson plan template for a PPP-based lesson might include the following components:

Teachers can customize this template based on their teaching style, student needs, and lesson objectives.

Adapting the PPP Method to Varied Teaching Scenarios

The flexibility of the PPP method allows educators to adapt it to diverse teaching scenarios:

Online Individual Classes : Utilize digital platforms for interactive presentations and practice activities tailored to individual students.
Multicultural Group Classes : Ensure clarity and inclusivity in presentation stages, leveraging visual aids and simplified language.
English-Only Environments : Emphasize immersive learning experiences through engaging online tools and collaborative tasks.
Young Learners and Teenagers : Incorporate age-appropriate materials and activities to sustain engagement and relevance.
Adult Learners in Professional Settings : Design practical tasks aligned with workplace communication needs, focusing on real-world applications.

By tailoring the PPP method to specific contexts, educators can optimize learning outcomes for diverse student populations.

The PPP method serves as a versatile framework for TEFL practitioners, facilitating structured and engaging language instruction. With its adaptable nature and emphasis on active participation, the PPP approach empowers both educators and learners in the journey towards English proficiency.

SEE TEFL – What is PPP Teaching Method? How to Create ESL Lesson Plan
My English Language – PPP Technique in TEFL – Presentation, Practice and Production
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