Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by SUBHASH on June 11, 2012 at 13:59

Hello ,

My thought is that initially we have to learn by traditional method , due to we have to learn basic 

in manual  and then after we can learn through digital resources , like computer or Internet.

am i right or wrong , or you thought any thing else , please tell me , I will be happy to discuss.

thanks , Subhash Jain  

 

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Permalink Reply by Jigar Abhani on June 16, 2012 at 14:12

Hello Subhashbhai,

First of all sorry for late reply. I am not against of traditional methods. I know that they are useful in certain ways. So far as the basics of language are concern I agree that some parts of basics can be taught and learnt effectively by traditional methods But at the same time functional approach to language learning is I think more effective; we can learn basics through this approach also. And digital resources can be used to get the good result of functional approach. Secondly, sometimes traditional methods become boring and somewhat artificial. However we can not neglect traditional methods. But in this 21st century by using such digital resources with new approaches and methods, we can make language learning more effective and interesting. 

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Permalink Reply by Julia on June 16, 2012 at 15:02

First of all, you should mind that adults, children and indeed teenagers are all different. Children learn in different ways to their older counterparts. What's more, we should understand the purposes. There will be those there who are looking to improve their English for general use. There will be those who are looking specifically for business English whilst others simply want to progress. There will be those who simply have to cope with one foreign language, for instance, with English, as a part of their courses/one of the core subjects at school, etc.

Children and Learning

One of the first things you should remember about kids is that their brains have more elasticity than those of adults. You could say that their brains are not “formed” yet, so to speak. As a result, it is easier for children to learn a new language. Try to remember your own personal experience, if you know a foreign language. If you learned it at the age of 7-10, learning new words most likely came easier to you, and you probably found yourself understanding simple phrases quite easily. However, as we become older, taking on a new language becomes a lot more difficult.

Games, Story-Telling and More

For example, children are not going to be interested in reading articles about the state of the economy, or even the fashion industry. In fact, most kids generally won't like reading articles at all! 

Games: Both adults and children love games.

Story Telling: This is another effective technique. All children love story time.

Attention Spans: Children also tend to have short attention spans. Long, drawn-out exercises which involve a lot of silence will not work. The kids will become agitated, start fidgeting and lose interest. Posing questions, getting everyone involved in the exercise, and generally keeping them on their toes is always a good idea and can prove very effective.

Adults and Learning

For older people, learning a language can be a challenge. There are some who do this professionally for translator jobs, and will generally have a gift for this. But for many adult learners, this is going to be new territory. Specifically when it comes to learning English, many might have had previous instruction in school as children. This is particularly true of those who live in Western European countries.

Topics of Interest, Humour and Activities

Keeping adults engaged is just as important as doing so with children! You might find that there are some students who are intent on learning, and will do their best to concentrate. This may not always be the case, therefore it is important to keep the class as interesting as possible.

Activities: Games are possible option for adults as well. A lot of the time, they might have be tailored to suit adults. More “grown up” type games and activities will be useful in this regard. Debates are often a great way to get adults talking. Often, the students will end up speaking more and arguments can break out. As long as it does not get out of hand, this can be incredibly positive. The less you have to do, the more of a success the class is!

Humour: It is also a good idea to have a sense of humour. Just be aware how humour translates in different cultures. In Germany, for example, the people are notorious for being humourless. This isn’t necessarily the case, as it can differ from one region to the next.

Topics of Interest: If you are teaching business people, then topics related to what they are doing (for example, someone who works with pressured air) will probably spark up the students’ interests a bit more. The Internet is a wonderful resource in this sense, and you can find information on almost anything with the click of a mouse. Remember, most adults will also like to take a logical approach, but overall with both children and older students, using the language in a practical way is the most beneficial method.

Hope it'll help you!

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Permalink Reply by Jigar Abhani on June 18, 2012 at 12:52

Hi Julia,

A nice reply. I agree especially with your last note "......using the language in a practical way is the most beneficial method." The techniques which you have mentioned are really useful and helpful, especially to those who want to learn a language genuinely. But sometimes I feel that people are not aware enough about certain techniques. In countries where English is taught and learnt as a second language, one is taught, right from his school life, through certain methods which sometimes generate artificiality in the learning process. So many a times it can be seen that even the students who study at under graduate level or post graduate level, can't use the language in a proper way. There are certain other problems also behind this but sometimes I feel, as a student of India where English is a second language, that we learn English as a subject instead of learning it as a language. However now people become aware about the need of English language and I am happy to say that certain strong efforts have been carried out in the field of English Language Teaching. And I personally believe that in present time when we have such kind of technology, we can use it in a judicious way and can empower our knowledge of language. And I think the techniques which you have suggested, can be followed more effectively with the help of modern technology.

At last I just want to say that keep sharing your innovative and creative ideas and thoughts.

Thank you so much for such a nice and informative reply. 

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Permalink Reply by SUBHASH on June 18, 2012 at 14:00

Hello Julia ,

Your reply is really appreciable , excellent and genius  , that is the right way of learning ,

Julia would you like to friendship with me .

Thanks

Subhash Jain .

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Permalink Reply by Jigar Abhani on June 18, 2012 at 13:01

Hi Fares,

I agree that methods change with the needs of learners. And i can understand that it depends on teacher but I think a teacher should teach a language with practical approach. And according to me present technology is good enough for that matter.

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