March 19, 2010
The words methods, strategies, approaches and techniques tend to be confusing, especially once you see them appended to the words “language learning.” Every time you see a term like “language learning method,” you can’t help but ask, “Isn’t that the same as a language learning strategy?”
By definition, a language learning method refers to the overall plan you have for learning a target language. This plan will have to conform to the specific approach you selected. This method refers to a very specific design, where you can concoct a practical plan for how the learning will occur, taking into account all the different techniques, obstacles and details accomplishing that will involve.
Many packaged learning courses use a single method, most of them developed through the proprietors’ own experiences with language learning. Samples of these methods include Counseling Learning, Dynamic Immersion and Total Physical Response. Each of them are governed by different approaches and filled with different techniques, employing a variety of tools, from direct interactions to language software, to achieve their targets.
Like every type of learning, finding the best among this lot isn’t exactly a straightforward affair. For the most part, you’ll need to make your own research on each method, reading experiences from its practitioners and deciding on whether it’s one that appeals to you.
March 18, 2010
Who says you can’t have fun while working on your vocabulary? If conventional flash cards, lists and mnemonics isn’t quite up your alley, you should really consider using the lot of available games designed to aid in developing your stock of words in a foreign language. While we won’t recommend using vocabulary builders such as these as a primary language learning program, they make for an excellent addition to a comprehensive language software or a regular class.
Flash has evolved as the de facto platform for many games aimed at helping language learners build up their vocabularies. Relatively easy to program and available on many platforms, it has paved the way for a slew of attractive tools, which you can use to boost your own inventory of a target language.
People learning English as a second language should find this medium to be particularly rich, as I’ve seen tons of resources with games dedicated to helping folks improve their abilities in the vernacular. Doing a quick search on the web alone, should turn up plenty of helpful sites, with games that range from simple to complex, running the gamut from slang words to TOEFL-level usage.
While the pool of choices isn’t as rich for those trying to learn other foreign languages, it’s usually not as bad as you might imagine. Back when I was learning Mandarin, I was able to use at least half a dozen vocabulary games after a good deal of searching.
March 9, 2010
There are many language tutoring software available designed especially for children. Using a mix of multimedia tools with a fun approach to learning, they allow kids to adapt an entirely new language without having to make it feel like work.
Like all products, of course, some 12 and under language software titles are good, while others are bad. In fact, I’ve seen quite a few that are just downright horrible. As with everything, it pays to do your research before investing in one.
If you’re going to get a language learning tool for your kids, I highly recommend looking for the following qualities:
- Relaxed pacing. It’s hard enough getting kids to sit down for an extended period. Making them do it to interact with a piece of software that can stress them out is just asking for a meltdown.
- Immersion-centered. Kids tend to pick up things very easily when immersed in a particular environment. Same will go for their language learning.
- Kid-oriented topics. Chances are, you don’t need your child to learn how to ask for directions to the subway or how to haggle in the local market. Make sure the software focuses on information they can actually use, such as language they will need to make friends or interact in school.
- Do you need cartoons and other kid-like stuff to be in the software? Honestly, I don’t think it’s necessary. While having that should help keep their attention on the screen, it’s really more important to focus on the things I outlined above. If it creates a fun, lively environment to go with that, all well and good. If it doesn’t, it’s better to pass.
February 19, 2010
Don’t like to memorize? Me neither. Reading off a list and committing them to memory is one of the most boring activities I can imagine. Fortunately for language learners, there’s a whole world of alternatives to straight up memorizing when it comes to acquiring a new vernacular.
Want to internalize survival phrases for your trip to a new country in two weeks? My personal choice for getting it done is by repeatedly exposing myself to the specific expressions. You can do it too – it’s easy.
Get a tape recorder and begin recording yourself reciting those phrases, each one followed by its equivalent in your language (which, I assume, would be English). Make sure you check your professional language software to ensure correctness of both the expressions and their pronunciations. Turn the recording into an MP3, load it into your iPod and use it to replace your Lady Gaga downloads as your official listening for the next two weeks. Offended about my insinuation that you listen to Lady Gaga? Whatever, Michael Bolton.
The more you listen to the expressions, the more meaningful the language will become. Over the amount of time you devote to it, you will likely develop the connections in your head that allow you to understand those words when hear it. Later, it will also be easier to remember each one when reciting them.
Most of the time, you’ll begin by recalling bits and pieces of each phrases. When you use them, you may end up missing a word or two. As your mind forms its own identification patterns, though, you’ll be able to employ them without much conscious thought.
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