University of Nicosia BA in English Language and Literature LALI 441 TEFL

Dr. Salomi Papadima-Sophocleous

University of Nicosia BA in English Language and Literature

LALI 441 TEFLThe practice of English Language Teaching

Chapter 11

Studying language

What is Language Study?

Any stage in a lesson where students and teachers focus in on (on the construction of) a specific feature of the language in order to understand it better.

What is the goal of Language Study?

To increase knowledge of the language system so that the longer-term aim of improving productive and receptive skills can be achieved.





Chapter 11

Studying language

Ways through which students can learn a Language

(a) In the classroom under the direction of a teacher

(b) Research language on their own - Autonomous learning

Language Study focusing on structure and use of language forms:

-Morphology of forms (is, am, be)

-Syntax of phrases, clauses & sentences

-Vocabulary

-Meaning and function

-Pronunciation

-Spelling


-Genre analysis

-Study of written and spoken text construction




Chapter 11

Studying language

Language Study Techniques?

Demonstration situation which shows the language in action; modelling; pictures and realia

Explanation diagrams; grammatical explanations

Discovery work out a grammar rule

Accurate reproduction repeat new words, phrases, or sentences in a controlled way, correcting them

Immediate creativity create their own words

Check questions





Chapter 11

Studying language

When do we focus on any necessary language forms? Before, during or after the performance of a communicative task or a receptive skills activity?

Approach 1: study language in a variety of ways, then explore a topic, and then use what students have learnt to perform a task.

Approach 2: during a task-based sequence (focus on 1 or 2 past tense forms in the middle of an extended narrative-writing task – describe weather in the middle of a holiday planning

Approach 3: After the students have performed the task

Even when not planned, opportunities arise (a student wants to know)





Chapter 11

Studying language

Teach Known or unknown language?

Types of students:

(a) Real beginners

(b) Students with some degree of linguistic knowledge and ability in English

MOREOVER

(a) Students learn at different speeds and in different ways.

Result:

‘mixed ability’ classes Problem





Chapter 11

Studying language

So, what do we teach? What do we do?

First, find out what our students know

Ways of avoiding teaching already Known language

(a) Have students perform tasks and see how well they use the language forms in question before deciding to teach them as if they were new.

(b) Elicit the new language forms you wish them to study.

If successful, no demonstration, no explanation;

if unsuccessful, teach the new language forms.





Chapter 11

Studying language

Choosing Study Activities

(a) Offer a varied diet of exercises

i. all students have different learning styles

ii. Sustain student motivation

(b) Assess a language study activity for use in class

i. How effective will it be? When take it in class

ii. Justify the time spent on it before and during the lesson

iii. Activity should demonstrate meaning

iv. Will it work with this group?

(c) Evaluate a study activity after use in class i. formally ii. informally


•Keep a record of your classes

•Conduct your own action research




Chapter 11

Studying language

Examples of language study activities

Introducing new language

Example 1: Light in space, pages 159-160

Discovery activities

Example 2: Discovery activities, pages 161-162

Example 3: Rules and freedom, pages 162-164

Remembering

Example 4: Perfect one-liners, page 164-166

Example 5: In the queue, pages 166-167


University of Nicosia BA in English Language and Literature LALI 441 TEFL

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