Theme Seven: Unconventional Methods Shen Chen School of Education The University of Newcastle

Do you know the following language teaching methods?  Total Physical Response  The Silent Way  Community Language Learning  The Natural Approach  Suggestopedia

Co-operative Learning  Group A focuses on Question 1.  Group B focuses on Question 2.  Group C focuses on Question 3.  Group D focuses on Question 4.  Group E focuses on Question 5. One representative should speak on behalf of your group.

Total Physical Response  There is an innate bio-program for language learning  Brain laterlization defines different learning functions  Stress intervenes between act of learning and outcome  Review and new commands  Imperative drills are the major classroom activity  Physical actions and activity on the part of learners  Role play and slide presentations

The Silent Way  Learning through discovery  Learning by accompanying object (sounds/colours)  Learning through problem solving  Simple linguistic tasks (charts, rods and other aids)

Community Language Learning  Language as social process vs L as communication  Communication is more than transmitting a message  Whole person learning  Learning through interaction  Learning from one stage to another  S (security) A (attention/aggression) R (retention and reflection) D (discrimination)  Focusing on oral proficiency  Translation/Group work/Recording/Transcription  Analysis/Reflection/Observation/Listening/Conversation

The Natural Approach  Learning through discovery  An emphasis on exposure (input) rather than practice  Central role of comprehension  Unconscious process of language acquisition  Conscious learning can function only as monitor  A list of topics based on communicative goals  Learners are not required to say until ready  Pair or group work/sharing information for a task

Suggestopedia  Accelerated memorisation in learning  Ties in tradition to yoga and Soviet psychology  Effective learning in a relaxed but focused state  Materials are presented with varying intonation  Coordination of sound and printed word or illustration  Listening activities and face to face exchange

Summary of Discussion  Some methods are less-widely used than others.  Special methods can be developed in specific countries.  The “best” method is the one which is most appropriately and effectively to the students in your own classroom.

Do you know any immersion and bilingual programs ?  difference between immersion and bilingual programs  immersion program in Canada  immersion in program in UK  immersion program in Australia