Thinking About Theory

• My views of language learning and teaching changed after the module: Comparing Language Teaching Methods. My own experience of 2nd language learning was grammar translation and audiolingualism approach without very desirable interest or results. I was introduced to a variety of methods throughout history each with strengths and weaknesses. I learnt not to discount some approaches because of my past experience but think creatively and consider drill activities fun when used in songs. When defining communicative competence I learnt about form and function and that language knowledge comprised both organisational knowledge and pragmatic knowledge. Bachman and Palmer

•  I found the most interesting was the module on Communicative Classrooms. I liked the idea that language in the classroom should be as real as possible and unpredictable. I prefer the idea of using pair and group work in cooperative learning activities. The advantage is that students interact (talk) more amongst themselves than teacher-led activities. I found the information-gap activities great for authentic language use, unpredictability in communication and enjoyable. I did learn that there still should be a balance between fluency and accuracy with communicative activities. A disadvantage to the communicative approach surprisingly comes from the students themselves.  They dislike this approach mainly because of sociocultural or past educational experiences and do not feel inclined or equipped to work in groups. Their preference is teacher-led activities.

• I was surprised to learn of strategic competence and that it was also teachable. I found it interesting that you can teach students how to use strategies such as paraphrase, guessing, repetition, avoidance of words when there is a breakdown in communication. I liked that strategic competence included non-cognitive aspects to learning such as self confidence and risk taking.

• To continue on my learning journey my next step is grammar. Professionally I would like to develop language vocabulary and activities towards Business English. I think teaching with the Communicative Approach would be a good fit in the business world. 

Thoughts on Language Learning & Teaching