Intensification tendency

Total Physical Response (TPR) is the combination in the teaching method of speech and action (Asher, J. 1969. The total physical response approach to second language learning. Modern Language Journal. 53:3-17). The method combined verbal rehearsal with motor activities.

The Silent Way (Gategno, C. 1972. Teaching Foreign Languages in Schools: The Silent Way. N.Y.) was based on the premise that the teacher should be silent as much as possible in the classroom, while the learners will produce more language. A typical feature of the Silent Way is the use of color charts and rods as memorable images and signals to help in verbal responses. The proposition underlying this method of instruction was that learning is facilitated if the learners discover or create even with the minimal language rather than rehearse and remember.

Suggestopedy (Lozanov, G. 1978. Suggestology and Outlines of Suggestopedy. N.Y.) aimed at optimizing learning by music and rhythm, authoritative teacher's behavior and “infantalisations” of learners, physical and psychological relaxation. The focus was on the memorization processes, which as claimed by the authors accelerated 25 times over conventional learning.

Another example of exploiting resources of human psyche in teaching languages is neuro-linguistic programming (NLP). NLP is shaping one’s inner world through re-evaluating one’s experience and using the power of the word. It aims at opening up one’s inner resources as a way towards accelerated learning (Beaver. D. Lazy Language Learning).

Exploratory task 1.2

Try to memorize the following groups of words using different techniques. Recall the words a minute after all the tasks have been done. Write the number of memorized words in the space provided and share the results in the group. Reflect on the reasons for diversity in the results (the meaning of the words should be made clear first)

Task 1	Task 2	Task 3	Task 4
Memorize the words by marking rhythm with your hand	Memorize the words by associating them with physical objects that you hold in your hand	Memorizing the words in complete relaxation	Memorize the words by imagining clearly and visualizing what these words mean
Wary tortuous, dupe, hype, lumber	Balk, upshot, slobber, freak, virile	Floss, tryst, mediocre, tassel, tacky	Zap, trammel, largess, thud, gullible
Number of recalled words

Communicative language teaching is based on a number of typical features of the communication process (Littlewood, W. 1981. Communicative language Teaching. CUP. Savignon,S. 1983. Communicative Competence: Theory and Classroom Practice. Mass. Widdowson, H. 1979. Teaching language as Communication. OUP).

Language learning is understood as learning to communicate through communication. The emphasis is put on the meaningful and motivated use of language by the people who communicate in order to achieve a certain goal. Language for learning is derived from communicative experience in a variety of real world situations.

Fluency is put over accuracy. Interactive learning is encouraged as the way towards acquiring communication skills. The learners are taught “negotiating the meaning” (working towards better understanding each other), and “using communication strategies” (e.g. circumlocution).

Exploratory task 1.3

Date: 2015-01-02; view: 1093