About the questionnaire I choose the following questions.
First I think that the main focus in a language class should be on the meaning especially when you are teaching beginners. Because is the meaning what is going to be remembered. Of course this doesn’t mean we should left out the grammar but this could be introduce afterwards or slowly. And that is why, in every language we first learn the meaning of the words and afterwards the grammar rules in a way because is more practical.
Classes operate more successfully by encouraging intrinsic motivation and I think that in English can be easier to find classes where students want to earn the language. Why? Because is a different one, is the main way to communicate with others. But if we not, we as teachers have to appeal to the students to a find a motivation.
I think that now days in Chile we don’t have too many cultures, is true that are arriving a lot of immigrants, but still I don’t think that are many teachers that have to handle with students that have different cultures. However, teachers should respect difference on their students no matter their beliefs or where they are from.
Finally about the rewards I am not very sure which one is the best way. Maybe immediate rewards could be good to have their attention or to motivate them buy then definitely long-term reward is much better because what you are going to gain afterwards is going to be more valuable than what you can have immediate. For example learning the language and being able to make yourself understand by others and communicate.
Vale, I'm on the same page as you on your first point.With beginners we want to focus on meaning, that's the basics of communication. Besides, from my point of view, grammar should be taught according to the age or maturity of the students.
ResponderEliminarI totally agree with your comment on the first point. A language class for beginners should definitely be focused on meaning rather than on grammar. They need to learn how to use the words to express meaning and to communicate ideas. I think that grammatical knowledge comes later when they start learning the rules and grammar patterns. However I think that accuracy is very important. Thye may not speak correctly in terms of grammar, but they need to have a certain degree of accuracy in order to communicate their ideas and thoughts correctly. Grammar knowledge should come later, but accuracy is a fundamental part of meaning.
ResponderEliminarI think that when we focus on meaning we are not saying that grammar is not important. Beginners learn grammar indirectly, through a meaningful learning.
ResponderEliminarGood discussion here:)
ResponderEliminarIt`s good that you all agree on this point, especially for young learners who don't usually suffer from personality problems and are too young to be bothered by teenage angst.
Bearing this in mind, what do you think is the best method for teaching young learners? How impressed were you with TPR for young learners?
Meaning is very important for young learners if they understand and have fun, the class is succesful! It's important that they keep this meanings in their minds, if they forget easily they can't go on building knowledge. I think that TPR helps to learn in a funny and meaningful way because actions help to settle down what's have been learned.
ResponderEliminar