...Learning a foreign language can be a daunting challenge, but can also be one of the most rewarding experiences in one’s life. The journey to fluency is a long and difficult path, in part because foreign language learning is not a single skill. It is the intensive coordination of multiple skill sets. These include memory, cognitive problem solving, internalizing grammar, speech fluidity, listening comprehension, and vocabulary. To the foreign language learner the process is slow and growth is almost imperceptible. However, through exposure to comprehensible input a language learner can improve (Krashen, 1985). The input hypothesis (IH) “assumes that we acquire language by understanding messages” (Krashen 1985). This hypothesis states that language learners only grow when exposed to language that is just out of their level of comfort, but can be understood (Krashen 1985, 1995). The language learner level is “l” and the level needed for growth is “i+l”. This pushes students to broaden their understanding and acquire more language knowledge. The type of input can be any type of language material as long as it is at...
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...order to do that people have to speak foreign languages. When it comes to learning a new language the most common piece of advice given from adults to children is “You are young. Now is your time to learn a foreign language”. But I have always wondered why is that? Can’t adults also learn foreign languages? Here the answer is “Yes, they can.”, but it is harder for them due to a few factors, which they should overcome if they want to easily reach their goal. Nowadays, children are being exposed to and start learning languages from the kindergarten and then continue in the school. There are some factors for these children to start learning...
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...Topic: “Language defined: Learning to use language and issues of profound importance to teachers” Language, roughly, can be defined as communicating with others. Language is more than speech and writing, it is the making and sharing of meaning with ourselves and others (Emmitt and Pollock, 1997, p.19). For that meaning to be shared the language signs and symbols are selected and used according to rules. These rules have been developed and agreed upon by the language users and must be learned by new language users (Emmitt and Pollock, 1997, p.11). The rules of language come from our every day lives, and from the environment in which we live. I will attempt to explain further how I learned language using examples of primary discourse, secondary discourse and literacy. Our first contact with language is our primary discourse. Of the three theories of how language is learned according to Lightbown & Spada (1993, pp.23-30), I would like to consider the third, which is the interactionist theory. Interactionist theory states that language develops as a result of the environment in which children live and their interactions with others. For example I was one of five children brought up in a small country town in a Catholic family. My father was a wharfie and my mother a house wife - she never ever went out to work. Much of my childhood was spent with cousins on their farm, or at home with my brother and sisters. We had very few books in our house and no television. We played in...
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...A STUDY ON THE IMPORTANCE OF GRAMMAR IN LEARNING ENGLISH In India English continues to be the medium of instructions in colleges and universities. It is also the language of the administration. English should be most useful “library language” in higher education and our most significant window on the world. English plays an important role in our national life. It was of great importance in the British India. It plays an important role in various fields. So grammar plays a vital role in the field of learning language. So working knowledge of grammar is required for a sound basis of language- ungrammatical use will create disorder, misunderstanding of ideas, and bad impression among the listener or the reader. In the words of Dr. West, “grammar is not a code of rules like etiquette and table manners, a statement of convention, it summarizes what is done by cultured people, and like etiquette, and it is a state of a constant”. NEED AND SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY The most important ingredient of learning English is grammar. Because, when we come to learn a new language, we need to study its grammar. Grammar is the study of words and the ways words work together. Any person who communicates using a particular language is consciously or unconsciously aware of the grammar of that language. Students usually find difficulties in learning grammar and most of them hate grammar sessions. They do not realize that it is the back bone of language. Pupils at secondary schools also have difficulties...
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...Consider the importance of essay writing to academic practice in the social sciences, with particular reference to Priest (2007) and Ballard and Clancy (1988). Draw on SSK12 materials and your own experience. In this essay I have stipulated the importance of essay writing in the social sciences outlining knowledge development, bringing fourth the importance of linguistics with the understanding of cultural laws and language within the areas of social science, showing the importance of jargon language with comparisons between two subjects and what is expected from the student in the governing of essay writing. I have also reflected upon essay writing from a teachers perspective, noting the expectations a teacher looks for in essay writing, and adding my perspective with an understanding of the essay cultural system. I have also outlined my experience with the understandings of cultural expectations in disciplines and essay writing concerning linguistics. The importance of essay writing academically in the social sciences is structured in the knowledge internalization, the student writes about the facts that have been a subject of a lecture or read in an article, furthering the knowledge and retention of a given subject, “learning to write essays is empowering. It is learning to take one’s place in the world of ideas” (Priest, 2007). The importance also lies in the intellectual development of a students knowledge...
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...Contents What transferable skills should students develop during their time at university? 1 1. Introduction 1 2. Research Objectives 1 3. Summary of Findings 2 4. Commentary on findings 2 Oral Communication 2 Fluency in a Second Language 3 Presentation skills and time management 3 Skills considered of least importance 3 5. Recommendations 3 What transferable skills should students develop during their time at university? 1. Introduction Transferable skills can be described as ‘skills developed in one situation which can be transferred to another situation’ e.g. problem-solving, decision-making, or communication skills. These skills are also known as ‘soft skills’, ‘key skills’ or ‘generic skills’ and are essential in all areas of life, not just in learning or work situations. In recent years Higher Education institutions have begun to identify particular transferable skills they wish their own graduates to develop during their time in third-level education. However, an essential part of identifying important skills for students to develop is to seek the opinions of students themselves. The focus of this HEA-funded project is on modern language students. Hence this survey was conducted with this student cohort only, rather than with a cross-section of the student body. Most surveys undertaken to ascertain students’ opinions on the important transferable skills for them to develop, have been surveys of diverse student populations. It is interesting to note that...
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...Why must everyone learn English? Since English is the most common language spoken everywhere, the importance of English cannot be ignored. English is a West Germanic language that is now the most widely used language in the world (Senn 2001). With the development of technology, English has been playing a major role in many sectors including medicine, engineering and education. This essay will argue the importance of learning English and the reasons why everyone must learn it. English makes it easy to access other cultures. Wherever people go, being able to speak multiple languages often gives people more opportunities to communicate with more people than just speaking one language. According to Tesoriero and Davies, ‘When the language barrier is lifted, there is more space for cooperation, for empathy, and for common ground’ (Tesoriero& Davies 2005). English can give people more professional opportunities. Being able to speak English will make it easy to participate in international meetings and learn about new scientific knowledge. Besides the US and Great Britain, English is the main language in countries such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada (Yang 1999, pp.515-535). Therefore, people can get a higher salary or be paid more hourly for speaking English fluently. English is beneficial for people in education. There are many universities around the world that are teaching entire courses in English. Many schools and universities around the world require that their students...
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...Peer Learning: An Innovative Classroom Strategy (Exclusively for Language Acquisition) X. AKSHAY JOSEPH DYLON II M. A. Eng Lit St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Trichy – 620 002 Email ID: akshayjosephdylon@gmail.com Mob: 91 5241 52462 ABSTRACT A tension (about the subject and the fear towards the teachers) free teaching/learning process is possible with the peer learning methodology. This paper argues that the importance given for peer learning pedagogy in the curriculum could be mounted up a little more, in particular for language learning, for a better outcome. In addition, the practices in the method, because of which it proved to be efficient when compared to the other methodologies, is also discussed in this paper. The importance of ‘Teacher’s Silence’ and the outcome of it are highlighted. The Affective Filter Hypothesis of Krashen appears to be in line with the Peer Learning Pedagogy. Suggesting some activities related to language teaching, this paper further requests the syllabus setters and the educationists to promote this approach among teachers through further more research in methods and activities to inculcate this technique among the learners, to help them learn the language doubt-free and acquire it to the fullest. An old appeal towards teaching pedagogy, but still an unpopular approach would be Peer Learning. According to Boud, Peer Learning essentially refers to students learning with and from each other as fellow learners without any implied...
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...AS1 – Self-assessment plan. Critically reflect on and systematically plan for subject knowledge development for the appropriate phase. Priorities Actions When and Resources Success Criteria Phonics - To develop confidence in regards to the teaching of phonics. 1. Use different types of media to inform my understanding of phonics. (YouTube) 2. Observe phonics teaching in KS1. 3. Obtain phonics teaching policy and review the phonics scheme that the school uses to teach phonics. 4. Read DfE core criteria key features for an effective systematic synthetic phonics teaching programme. 5. Identify key phonics vocabulary in NC. 6. Read academic and practitioner literature on effective phonics teaching. 1. Every weekend use the internet to observe phonics teaching. 2. Observe 1 lesson each week in placement 1. Arrange weekly. 3. During the first week ask KS1 or EYFS coordinator for the policy and scheme. 4. Obtain a copy online and print off. Review this weekly before each observation. 5. Obtain phase lists from KS1 coordinator during week 1. 6. Library search 22.09.15 Complete all actions in SE1 before SE2 in KS1. Score an average of ‘confident’ in phonics RPD self-assessment audit by the end of SE2. Fully understand and be able to explain the meaning of key phonics vocabulary. (179) Teaching Writing – Transcription, composition, vocabulary, grammar and punctuation (SPAG). 1. Create my own SPAG test. Allow a profile child to attempt the test. 2...
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... Minimum Core References on Schemes of Work 1. Language and Literacy |Reference |Descriptor |Levels applicable |Portfolio evidence reference | |LA1: Personal, social and cultural factors influencing language, literacy learning and development | |LA1.1 |The different factors affecting the acquisition and development of language and |Diploma | | | |literacy skills | | | |LA1.2 |The importance of English language and literacy in enabling users to participate in |Diploma | | | |public life, society and the modern economy | | | |LA1.3 |Potential barriers that can hinder the development of language skills |Diploma ...
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...one of the important language skills learners need to know is the main way to get learner language input. Carrell (1989) considered the four basic skills of reading is the most important skill. In second language learning, individual differences in motivation is the most influential factor of learners. Skehan (1989) believe that motivation is second only to the Academic most powerful predictor of learning outcomes; Gardner (1985) believes that it is one of the four main effects of learning individual differences factor. Wigfield and Guthrie (1995) believes that language learning motivation to some extent, with specific areas related to (domain-specific). For example: a person is motivated to listen or speak English, but do not necessarily have the motivation to read in English. If a child's reading motivation levels increase the amount and breadth of his reading will improve (Wigfield & Guthrie, 1997); if the amount and breadth of reading to improve children's learning will make greater achievements (Anderson, Wilson & Fielding, 1988). Reading is not only a multi-level cognitive activities, emotional or a procedure body and consciousness penetration. Complex factors that influence reading comprehension, both objective factors, but also the main factor. Currently researchers attach great importance to non-intelligence factors, which is regarded as a key factor in reading motivation, more relevant research. Gardner pointed out the social language learning motivation, the motivation...
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...Development for English Language Learners. LEARNING DISABILITIES IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS, 1-8. This article was written to study the impact of vocabulary on ELL students in the classroom and the importance of it. In recent years, there has been numerous studies on ELL students and the impact on their learning when vocabulary has been a main focus in the curriculum. Testing our students and finding out where they need to be and where they are in literacy is crucial in building a core curriculum that revolves around vocabulary and each individual student. Building vocabulary with our ELL students is critical as they learn a new language, because it will make transfering what they already know easier. Not only do they need to learn new vocabulary but also they need to gain the meaning of the vocabulary, the semantacs of the word, and the several word uses. In order for a student to actually “know” a word they need to learn all of the mechanics and usages of the word and be able to identify it not only in reading, writing, but also when they speak. To be able to do this ELLs need to be taught strategies on how to use decoding, context clues, and cognates that will help them infer the meaning. Second-language acquisition research has identified transferas an important process involved in the acquisition of a second language. Transfer is defined as “the influence resulting from similarities and differences between the target language and any other language that has been previously...
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...INTEGRATED OUTLINE TOPIC: The importance of learning English Literature for students. MAIN IDEA: The continuation of the subject English Literature is a must especially in Asia. THESIS STATEMENT: Students who learn English Literature have greater chance to be successful in their studies and careers despite the limitation faced by the countries whose English is second language. INTRODUCTION Topic sentence: Learning English Literature is proven to be the closest subject to human nature aside from biology as it provides human with huge array of emotions and actions. The initial reason of the introduction of learning literature was to inject the culture of Englishness from the colonizer to the colonized. Supporting details | Sources | 1) Closer to human nature 2) The initial reason was to promote Englishness to the people | Kendrick, R. (n.d.). Why Our Students Study Literature. Retrieved March 3, 2016, from https://gustavus.edu/english/whystudyliterature.php Tennenhouse, L. (2007). Importance of Feeling English: American Literature and the British Diaspora, 1750-1850. Princeton University Press. | FIRST MAIN POINT Topic Sentence: There are many advantages of learning English Literature that could be benefited by the students. Supporting details | Sources | 1) Teaches the student on the earlier forms of language and how the language developed. 2) Familiarize the students with aesthetic purposes. 3) Develop planning and research skills as well as gain...
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...Language Acquisition Principles An article from the online journal of Education.com had a great article about language acquisition principles for English Language Learners (ELL). The title of the article is “Delicate Balance: Managing the Needs of ELL students” and was written by Jon Nordmeyer. The article begins with a quote from a middle school English Language Learner (ELL) that states “it is hard to be an ESL student sometimes. Between ESL students, I could make many friends, but when I have any classes like math or science I feel an invisible space between ESL students and regular students. I envy the regular students because I was good at science in my own country, and now the only reason for my C on science was pictures in the textbook” (Nordmeyer, 2006, p. 1). ELL students represent the fastest-growing student population in United States public schools and this quote is cause for immediate reactions for modifications in classroom curriculum and lesson plans. Increasing diversity, greater accountability, and stretched school budgets are some of the greatest challenges for today’s public schools. The article states that finding a balance between language learning and content learning so schools can operate on an all-inclusive classroom program is the ideal outcome. Learning academic content in English is one of the biggest problems ELL students have. This is added to other tribulations of social adaptation and acceptance, cultural changes, and personal challenges. Research...
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...tool in every setting that involves human interaction. The importance of bilingualism is felt when there are communication barriers orchestrated by multiculturalism and cosmopolitanism. The effect of communication barrier is more profound in the learning environment. This is reflected in the way it incapacitates understanding of the course contents. This paper will talk about bilingual education and the milieu in which it is juxtaposed. Bilingual education The logic behind bilingual education is the use of students’ native language in learning while at the same time learning English. Bilingual students have an added advantage in regard to understanding materials when two different languages are being used in the classroom. The increasing language and cultural diversity have necessitated the need for bilingual education which improve learning (Harris para 13). Such education enables students to diversify their learning since they are not confined within one language. Bilingual education enables inclusiveness in the classroom and total participation from the students/teachers can code switch and code mix to enhance understanding and communication. In the absence of bilingual education, other alternatives are sought in order to accommodate monolingual students and those who cannot understand and speak English fluently. Such options include using two different languages at the same time in class and translating while learning. However, a sustainable bilingual education program is necessary...
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