Independent Learning

2. Formal Instruction

Now, perhaps one could argue that this aspect doesn't seem to fit in with the independent learning category. After all, children, the ultimate model of language acquisition don't seem to need classroom instruction; however children are exposed to correct language through the example of parents who help them make sense of what they hear and see as well as written materials that teach us correct patterns. We might not have learned our first language as independently as we suppose.

Some formal instruction is necessary for successful independent discovery, and I'd like to outline some of the pros and cons for several classroom approaches and methods used throughout language teaching history. This information largely came from H. Douglas Brown's Teaching by Principles: An Interactive Approach to Language Pedagogy, 3rd edition. Reading helped me to evaluate my past and present language learning and might help in finding the right method for a certain learning style.

Grammar Translation

This is the oldest form of language study involving memorization of long lists of vocabulary, conjugations and other grammar rules

Positives
Great for dead language and an appreciation of language construction. Today’s language instruction focuses on speaking but there is an undeniable pleasure in reading and writing a language. This is ideal for, and was, in fact, designed for, learning dead languages like Latin.

I took a biblical Hebrew class where we spent all our class time just translated passages from the Old Testament. I did not expect to speak with a native, or be able to order at a restaurant in Israel, but I was rewarded with deeper insights into, and a more complete understanding of, the meaning in a precious piece of literature.
This method, when used exclusively, shows little success when it comes to speaking, or developing correct pronunciation.

Drawbacks

• This method includes long elaborate explanation of the history and intricacies of the language’s grammar.
• No theory or statistics in learning support this method.
  

Series of Events Method

Positives

• This method mimicks the process that children follow as they form a knowledge of grammar and vocabulary.
• This method “makes sense” as the language used to teach naturally introduces vocabulary in a sequence of events, which are easy to understand, recall and relate to reality.

The Direct Method

Positives

• Lots of speaking and “spontaneous use of the language”
• Everyday vocabulary and sentence patterns are emphasized.
• Pronunciation and correct grammar are emphasized.

Negatives

• Native teachers make this method the most effective.
• Often these programs are expensive and don’t convert well into typical classrooms.
• Not solidly based on theory.

The Audiolingual Method

Positives

• Emphasis on conversation and forming habits through drills.
• Pronunciation and correct grammar are emphasized.
• Adopts most of the successful points of the Direct Approach.
• Based heavily on education psychology and theory of the time

Drawbacks

• There is more to teaching and learning than Behaviorism and its practices realize
• Not very successful with long-term communication ability

Cognitive Code Learning

Positives

• Based on the emerging theory that children unknowingly obtain a knowledge of the rules of a language.
• Learners can become conscious of these rules and use them for communication

Drawbacks

• A bit of a return to the exhaustive explanations of the grammar rules of language and exceptions to the rule
• Sometimes as boring as the old grammar translation method was for many students

"Designer" Methods

Created in the seventies, these methods proved rather unsuccessful, but some of the ideas might prove helpful.
Here they are, very briefly:

Community Language Learning
Learners sit in a circle facing each other, get to know each other while the instructor stands behind them and translates what they want to say to the group.·

Positives

• Language learners are able to choose what they want to say.
• Creates a learning community and lessens error anxiety

Negatives

• Fairly ineffective, restrictive
• Depends heavily on instructor’s ability to translate
• No direction, initial ignorance lasts

Suggestopedia

Based on the theory that given the right conditions, the human brain can process large quantities of information. (Like listening to a foreign langauge tape while sleeping). The instructor creates a climate while playing soft baroque music, where students can relax and absorb the presentation of language.


This method has been highly criticized and is rarely practiced today, but children and most other people do show signs of learning while in a relaxed state.


Here are other noteworthy innovations from the 1970s:

The Silent Way

In this method the teacher does not correct the students on the rules of language but offers a problem-solving approach. This method claims that a learner progresses better if discovering or creating. This way is often characterized by the use of physical objects, pointing sticks, etc.

Positives

• Based on the idea that learners do better when discovering or creating
• Might produce more independence and responsibility—Teachers “get out of the way”

Drawbacks

• Teacher may be too distant from the learning process
• Use of materials, pointing sticks, charts, etc., can be a little wearing

Total Physical Response

While learning a language, children often begin moving, using hand gestures and is often silently listening to comprehend the vocabulary and patterns. This was studied and applied in the oft touted TPR method.

Positives

• Simple
• Based on the theory that learning is improved if combined with motion
• A fresh way to look at habit-forming in a language
• Lessens anxiety in the classroom—“fun”
• Good for beginner levels

Drawbacks

• Neglects the spontaneous and unrehearsed nature of language
• Not as effective with more advanced speakers

The Natural Approach

Developed on theories of comprehension, this method focuses on allowing spontaneous language to emerge naturally.

Positives

• Relaxed; communication and acquiring language rules without analysis.
• New content is understandable
• Emphasizes promoting fluency
• Less anxiety as a learner

Drawbacks

• Because fluency is emphasized, error correction is minimized
• Waiting for language to naturally emerge might miss out on prompting learners to feel that urgent need to communicate.

Source:

Brown, H.D. (2007). Teaching by Principles: an interactive approach, 3rd edition. New York: Longman