Language, Learning, and Teaching

Learning a Second Language Learning a new language Learning a new culture A new way of thinking A new way of feeling A new way of acting Long and complex undertaking

Sending & Receiving Messages in a L2 Total Commitment Physical Response Intellectual Emotional Involvement

L2 LEARNING COURSES Inadequate on their own Facilitate learning a L2 Success is possible: Teachers know what/how/ why variables affect learning a L2. Long and complex undertaking

The L2 Teacher Needs to understand the principles of language learning and teaching. Needs to understand the many aspects of the process of L2 learning. Understanding of how learners learn, determines: Teaching style Approach Methods Classroom techniques Long and complex undertaking

DEFINITIONS Teaching style Individual teachers' distinctive or characteristic manners of teaching.

DEFINITIONS Approach Theoretical positions and beliefs about the nature of language, the nature of language learning, and the applicability of both to pedagogical settings. Describes how people acquire their knowledge of the language and makes statements about the conditions which will promote successful language learning.

DEFINITIONS Methods A generalized set of classroom specifications for accomplishing linguistic objectives.  Method is an overall plan for the orderly presentation of language material.

DEFINITIONS Classroom techniques Any of a wide variety of exercises, activities, or devices used in the language classroom for realizing lesson objectives. Techniques must be consistent with a method, and therefore in harmony with an approach as well

Their Relationship For approach, method, and technique, which determines which? ‡Approach determines method Method determines technique The organizational key is that techniques carry out a method which is consistent with an approach

LANGUAGE What is LANGUAGE? Language is systematic Language is a set of arbitrary symbols. Those symbols are primarily vocal, but may also be visual. The symbols have conventionalized meaning to which they refer. Language is used for communication. Language operates in a speech community or culture. Language is essentially human, although possibly not limited to humans. Language is acquired by all people in much the same way; language and language learning both have universal characteristics.

L2 TEACHER Understanding of the components of language determine how you will teach a language Language and cognition Writing systems Nonverbal communication Sociolinguistics First language acquisition Long and complex undertaking

LEARNING What is LEARNING? Learning is acquisition or ¨getting¨. Learning is retention of information or skill. Retention implies storage systems, memory, cognitive organization. Learning involves active, conscious focus on and acting upon events outside or inside the organism. Learning is relatively permanent but subject to forgetting. Learning involves some form of practice, perhaps reinforced practice. Learning is a change in behavior.

TEACHING What is TEACHING? Guides learning Facilitates learning Enables the learner to learn Sets the conditions for learning Long and complex undertaking

THEORY OF TEACHING Integrated with your understanding of the learner and the subject will allow you to choose the best procedure for the learners and context. Long and complex undertaking

Language Teaching Before the 20th century Goal: Reading in a foreign language Classical Method was adopted for teaching foreign languages (Grammar Translation Method) Focus on grammar rules, memorization of vocabulary, conjugations, translation and written exercises.

20th CENTURY Methods Grammar Translation Method Direct Method The Audiolingual Method Community Language Teaching The Silent Way Suggestopedia Total Physical Response The Natural Approach ECLECTIC APPROACH

21 Century Communicative Language Teaching Eclectical blend of previous methods Teaching students to communicate genuinely, spontaneously, and meaningfully in the L2