The PPP Method

The PPP Method in language teaching is a common way to introduce new words and concepts to learners. This method and technique are very useful in the EFL classroom. It is a three-step lesson plan and teaching approach that helps the student learn, understand, and practice new concepts and vocabulary. 

As mentioned earlier, there are three stages in a PPP lesson, i.e., Presentation, Practice, and Production.

Presentation

The first stage is the presentation of an aspect of language in a context that students are familiar with. 

E.g., The teacher presents a new word, an event which involves the presentation of pronunciation and spelling in a meaningful context.

Practice

Students will be given an activity that gives them plenty of opportunities to practice the new aspect of language and become familiar with it while receiving limited and appropriate assistance from the teacher.

E.g., The teacher allows the students to practice the new word through controlled activities, such as worksheets or question and answer activities and makes sure the student has understood the vocabulary and usage properly.

Production

This is the stage, when the students will use the language in context, in an activity set up by the teacher who will be giving minimal assistance.

For example, this is where the students get a chance to use the new word or phrase originally 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.

Each stage of the Presentation, Practice and Production lesson must be planned well to be effective. It 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. It will be more effective, if the teacher can engage with the students’ different senses to get across the meaning of the new word, using visual, kinesthetic (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.