Shadowing Practice: Math, Science Still Often Taught the Old School Way - Learn English Speaking with YouTube

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From VOA Learning English, this is the Education Report in Special English.
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From VOA Learning English, this is the Education Report in Special English.
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Classes in science, technology, engineering,
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and math are known as STEM classes.
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Many professors continue to teach STEM classes the traditional way, by lecturing.
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But standing in front of the class and lecturing may not be the best way to teach today's students.
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That is what Kevin Egan says.
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He is with the University of California, Los Angeles.
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He also is co-author of a new study.
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It found that lecturing is still used a great deal in STEM courses taught in the United States.
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Kevin Egan says lecturing is not bad,
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but it tends to be less productive when it is the only teaching technique used in the classroom.
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He says that when teachers add class discussion,
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encourage questions, and provide hands-on activities,
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students are better engaged in learning.
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Supporters say placing students at the center of instruction changes the focus from teaching to learning.
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The study did find a growing use of student-centered methods like class discussions,
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cooperative learning, and student presentations.
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Female professors are more likely than male professors to use the new methods in in undergraduate classes.
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More than 60% of female faculty in science,
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technology, engineering, and math said they used cooperative learning methods.
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That was compared to about 40% of male teachers.
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Lecturing is used the most in STEM courses.
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Kevin Egan says faculty members need time away from their classes to learn some of these new techniques.
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The result of older methods may be low completion rates in STEM programs.
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The Chronicle of Higher Education noted that less than 40 percent of students who seek a degree
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in one of these subjects actually graduate with one.
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For VOA Learning English, I'm Alex Villarreal.

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Context & Background

The YouTube video titled "Math, Science Still Often Taught the Old School Way" presents an insightful discussion about teaching methods employed in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) classes. The speaker, Kevin Egan from the University of California, Los Angeles, examines the prevailing use of traditional lecturing techniques in these courses. Despite acknowledging that lecturing has its place in education, Egan argues that relying solely on this method can hinder student engagement and learning outcomes. Instead, he advocates for a more dynamic approach that includes class discussions, hands-on activities, and cooperative learning.

Top 5 Phrases for Daily Communication

  • “Standing in front of the class” - This phrase is commonly used to describe the traditional method of teaching where the instructor delivers information directly to students.
  • “Student-centered methods” - Refers to teaching techniques that focus on the students’ needs and encourages their active participation.
  • “Engaged in learning” - This phrase highlights the importance of student involvement and interest in their own learning process.
  • “Cooperative learning” - A teaching approach that promotes teamwork among students, fostering collaborative skills.
  • “Hands-on activities” - Activities that allow students to learn by doing, which can significantly enhance comprehension and retention of subject matter.

Step-by-step Shadowing Guide

To effectively improve your English pronunciation and communication skills using the shadowing technique with this particular video, follow the steps outlined below:

  1. Watch and Listen: First, watch the video without any distractions. Focus on Kevin Egan’s delivery and the key messages he conveys about teaching methods in STEM.
  2. Repeat in Real-time: Play the video again, this time speaking along with the presenter. Try to imitate his intonation, rhythm, and pronunciation as closely as possible. This will aid your IELTS speaking practice and improve your English pronunciation.
  3. Break it Down: Pause frequently to analyze phrases, especially those mentioned above. Clear articulation of specific phrases can help deepen understanding.
  4. Practice Active Listening: Engage with the content as you shadow. Take notes on how Egan structures his arguments; this can contribute to your understanding of effective communication strategies.
  5. Apply the Techniques: After mastering shadowing, utilize these communicative strategies in daily conversations or study sessions. You can even teach others what you learned, reinforcing your own skills.

Using the shadowing technique with content like this allows you to learn English with YouTube, making the process enjoyable and relatable. As you practice, keep in mind the shift from traditional to modern teaching methods, and incorporate that understanding into your own learning journey.

What is the Shadowing Technique?

Shadowing is a science-backed language learning technique originally developed for professional interpreter training and popularized by polyglot Dr. Alexander Arguelles. The method is simple but powerful: you listen to native English audio and immediately repeat it out loud — like a shadow following the speaker with just a 1–2 second delay. Unlike passive listening or grammar drills, shadowing forces your brain and mouth muscles to simultaneously process and reproduce real speech patterns. Research shows it significantly improves pronunciation accuracy, intonation, rhythm, connected speech, listening comprehension, and speaking fluency — making it one of the most effective methods for IELTS Speaking preparation and real-world English communication.

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