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English Language Site for Students and Teachers

Monthly Archives: November 2015

Why Do Children Learn a Second Language Faster than Adults?

30 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by Alison Sattler in My Blogs

≈ 3 Comments

Tags

English Lessons, ESL, ESOL, Teacher education

When it comes to learning a new language, our eyes and facial muscles are just as important to acquiring a new language as our ears.   This is because we watch how people articulate the sounds that are unfamiliar to us, associate what is appropriate to say by observing body language and the reactions of others in various interactive situations and use the data we collect to express ourselves in the language we are trying to master.

In order to do this, we need consistent, repeated exposure to language patterns such as what, when, how and where we hear certain sounds, words and expressions before we can understand that: 1) some sounds matter and others don’t; 2) how to make the meaningful sounds; and 3) to finally utter our first words. For adults, it takes a while to be able to differentiate the old from the new, but eventually we learn to identify new speech sounds, articulate them and, finally, communicate in a way that native speakers can understand.  The process is slow and, unlike for children, it’s a conscious effort for adults.

While adults focus on how to communicate proficiently from the first words spoken, children focus on getting their message across–no matter how they do it.  In other words, children aren’t monitoring what they say before they say it like adults, nor are they as self-conscious about making a mistake since listeners often help them express what they want to say afterward.  Because children using receive supportive instruction and acceptance for their efforts, they are less afraid of making a mistake and, thus, are able to practice and learn how to communicate in the target language faster than adults.

If adults were as given the same response from native speakers in foreign countries or more opportunities to practice their skills in the same, “safe” learning environment as children–and see mistakes as learning opportunities instead of reflections of their intelligence–then adults would likely learn their new language at the same rate as children.

In fact, adults often have unrealistic expectations for how long it takes to master a new language.   They also live and work among native speakers who are less patient and helpful when nonnative English language learners express themselves “imperfectly.”   many to lose confidence in their ability to communicate successfully with native speakers.

How can native speakers help immigrants and refugees improve their language skills?  First, we should be compassionate, patient, and welcoming toward them and meet them half-way in the interaction rather than expect them to do all of the work for creating understanding between two people.  Communities, family, relatives, friends, co-workers, customer service representatives and others can also enable learners to become fluent more quickly by welcoming them into conversations, helping them express what they want to say, and being patient with them as they think through how to articulate their idea, opinion, request, question or comment.

If an adult learner is struggling to say something, listeners should respond by creating a safe and advantageous learning environment using appropriate assistive gestures like showing interest in what they have to say and waiting silently while they collect their thoughts.  Treating persons this way will enable them to learn English faster and be less timid or self-conscious as they work toward becoming competent speakers, writers, readers and listeners.

Language is complex, and so are people. You never know what you will learn from someone, especially someone with a different background than you.  I hope you will consider reaching out to an immigrant, refugee or international student in friendship–for their benefit and yours.

English Teaching Forum

30 Monday Nov 2015

Posted by Alison Sattler in On-Line Publications and Sites, Teachers' Page

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Teaching Forum Vol 53Link to the English Teaching Forum for innovative,  practical lesson ideas.  Learn how to access and/or contribute to this free on-line publication at: http://americanenglish.state.gov/resources/english-teaching-forum-volume-53-number-3#sthash.NVDY5pPh.dpuf

Link

EFL News From Around The World – EFL Magazine

29 Sunday Nov 2015

Posted by Alison Sattler in On-Line Publications and Sites, Teachers' Page

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Tags

EFL, ESL, TESOL

Weekly news on the latest happenings from the world of English language teaching.

Weekly news on the latest happenings from the world of English language teaching.

News from Around the World is an EFL Magazine section containing stories related to English language education and policies.

Source: EFL News From Around The World – EFL Magazine

Link

Welcome to EFL Magazine

29 Sunday Nov 2015

Posted by Alison Sattler in On-Line Publications and Sites, Teachers' Page

≈ 5 Comments

Tags

ESL, ESOL, Teacher education, TEFL, TESOL

 Welcome to EFL Magazine ImgaeThe creators of this free, on-line magazine aim to:
•  be the world’s number one magazine for English language teachers
•  improve teachers’ lives by providing the best content
•  offer a forum for progressive teachers, and
•  be an arena for change and innovation in how English is taught.

It provides free resources, books, courses and webinars as well as commercial products, books and services designed to “make you a better (English language) teacher”.

I encourage you to explore this magazine’s content and, if you like what you see, to spread the word to other professionals!

Source: Welcome to EFL Magazine

Applying Second Language Acquisition Theories

19 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by Alison Sattler in Teacher Education, Teachers' Page

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Adult Literacy, ESL, ESOL, TEFL, TESOL

The websites below are invaluable educational resources for language teachers and even teachers in general.  I hope you find them as useful for you as they are for me!

Bilash’s Success-Guided Language Instructional Model (B-SLIM)
Dr. Olenka Bilash’s B-SLIM instructional method incorporates scaffolding (graduated skill-building) at each phase of a lesson or series of lessons for both self-directed and instruction-based adult learning styles. Professor Bilash’s website offers a plethora of useful teaching tools, which can be accessed through her “The Tree: Linking Theory and Practice” page or by topic on her navigation bar.

Krashen’s 6 Hypotheses
Dr. Stephen Krashen proposes that adults learn a new language faster when they can use what they’re learning–or plan to use it.   This and Dr. Krashen’s website outline the following hypotheses: Acquisition-Learning, Monitor Natural Order, Input, Affective Filter, and Reading/Comprehension.  His latest article, “The End of Motivation” (Krashen S. New Routes 55: 34-35, 2015), is a great summary of his overall perspective toward how people learn best.

Mastering the Podcast Interview: Telling Great Stories Through Voice

19 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by Alison Sattler in Free and Low-Cost Teacher Resources, Teachers' Page

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Tags

speaking, writing

Many bloggers and brands are turning to podcasts to expand their audience. Here are some tips for telling a great story and conquering the podcast interview.

Source: Mastering the Podcast Interview: Telling Great Stories Through Voice

Topic Worksheets | TEFL.net

12 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by Alison Sattler in Free and Low-Cost Teacher Resources, Teachers' Page

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Tags

ESL

Access free, printable classroom handouts from TEFL.net.
Copyright Free Wksheets

Source: Topic Worksheets | TEFL.net

Link

16 ways to improve your whiteboard work

12 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by Alison Sattler in Teacher Education, Teachers' Page

≈ 1 Comment

Source: 16 ways to improve your whiteboard work

Building Strong Relationships with Learners

05 Thursday Nov 2015

Posted by Alison Sattler in Teacher Education, Teachers' Page

≈ 4 Comments

Tags

Adult Literacy, ESL, ESOL

Adult Literacy Logo
Adult Basic Education Instructor Kate Nonesuch’s mission is to share “everything she knows” before she retires.  After reviewing her “Working in Adult Literacy” blog, I truly hope she never retires from working on her blog!  Ms. Nonesuch’s thought-provoking essays, educational videos, links to other resources, and words of wisdom are definitely worth preserving and passing on to other teachers.
In her Building Strong Relationships with Learners blog, Ms. Nonesuch gives teachers five strategies for building strong relationships with their adult students:teaching adult literacy

Listen, Really Listen
Yes Means Yes
Make Your Teaching Transparent
Say How You Feel
Refuse to Give Advice

Note: The article from which her blogs derived is at right.  To open this article, click on the publication’s icon.

To learn more about this amazing woman, please go to: http://katenonesuch.com/about-kate-nonesuch/

Links to My Other Site for Teachers and Life-Long Learners

03 Tuesday Nov 2015

Posted by Alison Sattler in On-Line Publications and Sites, Teachers' Page

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

Learning Styles, Student-Centered Curriculum

SCL Curriculm Site

Designing a Student-Centered Curriculum

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