CATESOL

Jigsaw Sequencing and Pronunciation Strip Stories: Online Workshop (TOP-IG)

Date/Time

8/14/2026
3:00 PM - 4:00 PM Pacific

Event Registration

Event Type(s)

Prof Dev Meeting/Workshop
Interest Group (IG) Event

Event Description

image shows a filmstrip, microphone, zoom window with 9 faces, 4 jigsaw puzzle pieces

Description

How can a teacher design pronunciation tasks that integrate segmentals, prosody, interaction, and meaning negotiation—rather than isolating sounds? In this interactive online workshop, we will adapt the classic strip story technique (Gibson, 1975) into a pronunciation-focused jigsaw learning task for synchronous online teaching.

Participants will analyze and rehearse one carefully scripted sentence containing targeted phonological features, then regroup to reconstruct a narrative through oral recitation alone. The task promotes auditory discrimination, memory, prosodic signaling of stance, and collaborative meaning-making.

Post task, we will examine how task design creates “phonological pressure points” that require learners to apply intelligibility-oriented features in real time. We will reflect on pronunciation features that become most salient, identify occurrences of sequencing breakdown, and consider memory load effect on fluency. Further, we will discuss adaptations for different language proficiencies and instructional environments.

*** For this multi-step collaborative workshop to succeed, all participants should arrive on time and participate with microphone and camera on. ***

Presenter

Marsha Chan is a pronunciation specialist who promotes the engagement of participants in active learning. She volunteers for CATESOL as web manager, professional development coordinator, event registration manager, conference organizer, and co-coordinator of the Teaching of Pronunciation Interest Group. She is followed around the world as Pronunciation Doctor on YouTube. She has written articles and books on pronunciation, oral communication, and the specific purposes of English for child care and English for child development. She owns a small company, Sunburst Media, where you can find books, games, and online learning programs.