Advancing Your Language Classroom: Activities Matching Three Schools of Thought
When designing language classrooms, it's crucial to align activities with the underlying theories of language learning. Understanding these theories can significantly enhance the effectiveness of your teaching. This article explores examples of activities suitable for three prominent schools of thought: the Natural Approach, Grammar Translation Method, and Communicative Language Teaching (CLT).
Before delving into these examples, it's important to clarify the target classroom and the expectations of the learners. Are they pre-literate children, literate adults, or some other group? Depending on these factors, the activities will need to be designed to meet their specific needs and learning expectations.
The Natural Approach Classroom
The Natural Approach, developed by Stephen Krashen and Tracy Terrell, emphasizes the acquisition of a second language through comprehensible input. Students learn by immersing themselves in the target language without a focus on explicit grammatical rules. The key assumption is that language learners will acquire the language naturally, much like they would in their native language.
Example Activities:
Storytelling: The teacher shares stories in the target language, using gestures and visual aids to make the language comprehensible. Students listen, understand the story, and participate by retelling it in their own words. Shadowing: Students listen to a passage in the target language and repeat what they hear immediately, focusing on pronunciation and intonation. Dictogloss: The teacher reads a text, and students try to reconstruct it based on what they heard. This activity helps students internalize natural language patterns.These activities reflect the Natural Approach's belief in the importance of providing learners with meaningful input and allowing them to internalize the language naturally.
The Grammar Translation Method Classroom
The Pedagogical Grammar Translation (PGT) method assumes that language learning is a process of memorizing vocabulary and rules. Students are expected to learn complex grammar rules and read literary texts in the target language. This approach can be particularly useful for adults who are primarily interested in reading and writing in the target language.
Example Activities:
Translation Exercises: Students translate sentences from the target language into their native language and vice versa, focusing on vocabulary and grammar. Reading Comprehension: Students read and analyze literary texts in the target language, focusing on the rules of grammar and vocabulary. Vocabulary Building: Students learn and memorize vocabulary lists, often using flashcards and repetition.These activities reflect the belief that learners need to be explicitly taught about the grammatical structures and rules of the target language. The focus is on rote learning and comprehension, reflecting the pedagogical approach of the Grammar Translation Method.
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) Classroom
Communicative Language Teaching (CLT) emphasizes the practical use of the language for real-world communication. The key assumption is that learners will develop proficiency by using the language to communicate effectively. This approach is particularly suitable for learners who need to use the language for practical purposes, such as business or travel.
Example Activities:
Role-Play Scenarios: Students practice common communication scenarios, such as ordering food in a restaurant or booking a hotel room, using the target language. Debates: Students engage in debates on topics relevant to the target language, practicing their speaking and argumentative skills. Project Work: Students work in groups to complete projects that require them to use the language for research, presentation, and collaboration.These activities reflect the belief that language learning should focus on practical communication skills and real-world applications, making the language learning process more relevant and engaging for the learners.
Conclusion
Understanding the underlying theories of the Natural Approach, Grammar Translation, and Communicative Language Teaching can help you design more effective and engaging language classroom activities. Whether you are working with pre-literate children, literate adults, or another group, selecting the right activities can significantly enhance the learning experience.
Remember, the key to successful language instruction is to tailor the activities to meet the specific needs and learning expectations of your students. By aligning your activities with these three schools of thought, you can create a dynamic and effective language learning environment.