“Cloud-Cuckoo-Land” or: Feedback as the Central Component in Foreign-Language Teaching

1980 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 29-42
Author(s):  
J. B. Walmsley
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Linear Models ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Central Component ◽  
Binary Opposition ◽  
Language Classroom

In this paper I shall argue that FEEDBACK constitutes a central but unjustly neglected concept in the study of institutionalized foreign language learning. Since feedback is the crucial element in distinguishing cybernetic from linear models in general, I shall also be adopting the position that language learning, and foreign-language learning in particular, is best represented in cybernetic terms. To date, however, as Crothers and Suppes (1967:19) point out, feedback in psychological literature (and the same is true, I think, for the literature on foreign-language teaching) has usually been characterized simply as a 0, 1 event-that is, as a binary opposition which could be represented as “yes/no.” Our discussion will show, however, that even in the limited communication situation of the foreign-language classroom the students can and do extract much more from the behavior of the teacher than we might suppose – even if what they learn is somewhat different in nature from what the teacher intends. In proposing an explicitly cybernetic approach as a basis for modeling foreign-language learning, we must be careful to point out that this approach has most in common with many models put forward to explain particular processes within biology and, in the study of speech, with those postulated to explain speech degeneration (Arnold 1960, 1961; Gerard 1959; Milisen 1966; West 1957; Wolf and Wolf 1959; Wood 1945) and also some aspects of speech production and perception (Laver's 1970 model is implicitly cybernetic, as are Corder's speculations on the role of error in foreign-language learning. The analysis-by-synthesis model of speech perception, in that it can be reduced to the form HYPOTHESIS + FEEDBACK, is also essentially cybernetic in nature.)

First language and target language in the foreign language classroom

2009 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 64-77 ◽  
Author(s):  
William Littlewood ◽  
Baohua Yu
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Mother Tongue ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
First Language ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Language Classroom ◽  
Foreign Language Classroom

For many decades, foreign language teaching has been dominated by the principle that teachers should use only the target language (TL) and avoid using the mother tongue (L1) except as a last resort. However, reports show that teachers make extensive use of the L1. This paper illustrates this discrepancy and considers some main reasons for it. It suggests a framework of principles for balancing L1 and TL use in the classroom. Finally, it reviews some strategies available to teachers who wish to make maximal use of the TL without denying the potential of the L1 to support foreign language learning.

scholarly journals Innovation research on foreign language teaching theory with Chinese characteristics based on Whitehead’s process philosophy

2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hui Su
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Rapid Development ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Process Philosophy ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Innovation Research ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Feasible Solutions

AbstractSince China’s reform and opening up, foreign language teaching (FLT) in China has achieved rapid development under the guidance of foreign language teaching theories both at home and abroad. However, problems such as ‘time-consuming and inefficient foreign language learning’ and the presence of ‘dumb foreign languages’ in FLT in China have not been fundamentally solved. Based on Whitehead’s process philosophy, this research aims to put forward feasible solutions to the existing problems in FLT in China so that the level of FLT in China can be promoted by discussing the purpose, contents, processes and stages of FLT and the relationship between teachers and students in both FLT and FLT evaluation systems.

Cooperative Language Learning in School Contexts

1992 ◽  
Vol 13 ◽  
pp. 127-140 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ann K. Fathman ◽  
Carolyn Kessler
Keyword(s):  
Cooperative Learning ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Small Groups ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Common Goal ◽  
School Contexts ◽  
Language Classroom

Cooperative learning is designed to engage learners actively in the learning process. Through inquiry and interaction with peers in small groups, learners work together towards a common goal. As a major movement within the broad context of the educational mainstream, cooperative learning has specific relevance for literacy and language learning. Communicative approaches to second/foreign language teaching can effectively draw on the principles and characteristics of cooperative learning to make language teaching and learning more effective. This joining of communicative instructional approaches with cooperative learning should be effective whether applied to the second/foreign language classroom or to the sheltered classroom integrating language learning with content-area learning.

scholarly journals The role of literature in instructed foreign language learning and teaching: An evidence-based survey

2008 ◽  
Vol 41 (4) ◽  
pp. 465-496 ◽  
Author(s):  
Amos Paran
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Research Articles ◽  
Evidence Based ◽  
Classroom Discussions ◽  
Second Languages ◽  
Learning And Teaching

The resurgence in the use of literature in language teaching has been accompanied by an increasing number of research articles in this area. Research (in a number of second languages) has looked at the type of interactions and the type of language that arise from classroom discussions about literature, as well as at the views of teachers and learners. Importantly, the reactions that learners have to incorporating literature in their language lessons are linked to the type of approach and type of task that are used in the classroom. The paper surveys the existing research, as well as evidence from practitioners about approaches that are used and the range of works and authors that are taught.

scholarly journals Creating Contexts for Adult Motivation for Foreign Language Learning and Acquisition

2006 ◽  
Vol 2 (1-2 (2)) ◽  
pp. 101-105
Author(s):  
Mariana Karapetyan
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching Methods ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Teaching Methodology ◽  
Language Teaching Methods ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

While developing foreign language teaching methods for adult students aged 17-20, it is necessary to take into account not only teaching and learning related issues, but also a number of principles which are connected with adult teaching. The article discusses a set of issues connected with foreign language teaching methodology with view of not only the specific features of the foreign language teaching methods for adults but also the theories that attach importance to the factor of emotions in the teaching process. The article attempts to combine a foreign language teaching and learning with the theory of game. The aim of the research is to reveal how games contribute to the improvement of foreign language teaching and learning.

scholarly journals THE REFLECTIONS OF PRE-SERVICE EFL TEACHERS ON OVERCOMING FOREIGN LANGUAGE TEACHING ANXIETY (FLTA) DURING TEACHING PRACTICUM

2019 ◽  
pp. 389
Author(s):  
Dilek Tüfekçi Can
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Teaching English ◽  
Teaching Practicum ◽  
Efl Teachers ◽  
Teaching Anxiety

Whereas research on English as a Foreign Language Learning (EFLL) anxiety has been the focus of many researchers, English as a Foreign Language Teaching (EFLT) anxiety as a newly pop-up concept has gained lesser attention than EFLL. Moreover, the research on EFLL commonly focuses on the anxiety provoking factors. Yet again, there has been very limited research on how to overcome anxiety-provoking factors on both research areas. Accordingly, as this study was two of the three segments of a university-based project and the subject of anxiety-provoking factors was the issue of another study, the purpose of this study was firstly to explore how to overcome anxiety-provoking factors among pre-service EFL teachers while teaching English to young language learners at a real classroom setting as a part of teaching practicum. Secondly, this study also attempted to make a holistic classification rather than an atomistic one as it classified the findings of overcoming anxiety provoking factors into subtitles such as cognitive, affective, socio-cultural resolutions and some other official resolutions. In the study, 25 EFL pre-service teachers at Balikesir University were the sample group. The qualitative data was collected through background questionnaires, interviews and reflections. The study concluded that pre-service EFL teachers revealed their reflections on how to overcome anxiety-provoking factors as they experienced Foreign Language Teaching Anxiety (FLTA) whilst practicing teaching English to young language learners during teaching practicum courses. Some practical recommendations were given at the end of the study. 

scholarly journals COMMUNICATIVE-ACTIVITY APPROACH IMPLEMENTATION IN THE MODERN SYSTEM OF FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING

2021 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 103-113
Author(s):  
INNA OBIKHOD ◽  
NATALIIA ZAKORDONETS ◽  
OLHA PLAVUTSKA
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Information And Communication Technologies ◽  
Life Experience ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Self Control ◽  
Modern System ◽  
Communicative Activity

The review of communicative activity key features realization approach in a modern system of foreign languages learning ​​has been carried out. It is defined that the communicative activity approach is based on the conceptual provisions of the activity and principles of communicative learning theory which gives students the opportunity to investigate problems independently, to observe, to analyze, to think critically, to argue and persuade the interlocutor as well as to make their own methods of learning a foreign language and to develop the ability to assess risks, to form constructive management of feelings, to use information and communication technologies, to interact in an adequate and creative way in all kinds of social and cultural contexts, to mobilize life experience, to apply basic / declarative knowledge and skills in practice, to create success situations, to form skills of self-control and mutual control. It is stated that modern paradigms of foreign language teaching outline the need to create conditions for active mastering of foreign language communication skills through the ability to understand and to achieve coherence in the reception and production of utterances within the communicatively significant speech formations. The main aspects of foreign language learning process on a communicative basis consider, namely: non-standard methods and forms of work that support students’ speech and mental activity and contribute to the maximum disclosure of their inner potential. It has been concluded that the effectiveness of communicatively oriented foreign language teaching depends on teachers’ understanding of the need to abandon authoritarian and scholastic methods and to apply teaching methods aimed at intensifying of the forming foreign language process and general cultural background of students in a creative way.

scholarly journals Kollokationen – ein vernachlässigtes Gebiet der DaF-Didaktik?

2014 ◽  
Vol 68 (6) ◽  
Author(s):  
Joanna Targońska
Keyword(s):  
Empirical Study ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Specific Group ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

Collocations, a highly specific group of set phrases, play an important role in the process of foreign language learning and acquisition. While their importance is unquestioned, they constitute a frequent source of errors, because the learners do not focus their attention on a collocation's form. What's more, they frequently assume that specific fixed sequences of words may be freely transferred from one language to another. In this paper we argue that collocations are in fact a neglected or even unrecognized aspect of teaching German as a foreign language. First, we discuss the relevance of the issue in foreign language teaching and learning. Next, we present an overview of research on collocations. Finally, we turn to an account of the results of our empirical study supporting the thesis as framed in the title.

Qur’anic Perspective on Empowering Humanistic Foreign Language Teaching

2019 ◽  
Vol 17 (2) ◽  
pp. 168-194
Author(s):  
Mahrus As’ad ◽  
Ahmad Bukhori Muslim ◽  
Imam Ghozali Budiharjo
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Social Relations ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Humanistic Education ◽  
Teaching Content ◽  
Self Actualization

Abstract Divinity-based humanistic education which includes foreign language teaching has become a growing concern. Within the development of humanistic foreign language teaching over decades, however, discussion on how Qur’anic perspective may have contributed to this area is still under study. This document analysis explores the contribution of Islamic scripture on the development of humanistic foreign language teaching. Data were derived from about 11 Qur’anic terminologies addressing aspects of Stevick’s pedagogy as a model of humanistic language teaching. Content analysis shows that these Qur’anic verses have provided some essential guidelines for developing an empowering humanistic foreign language learning necessarily required by language teachers, regardless of their faith affiliations. This issue is comprehensively addressed in various Qur’anic terms such as qawlan baliighan (effectiveness) qawlan sadiidan (responsibility), qawlan ma’ruufan (feelings and social relations) and bilisaani qawmih (intellectuality and self-actualization). Although these Qur’anic terminologies are more frequently used as communication principles, their impacts in developing a more empowering humanistic language teaching is also of paramount importance.

Falling on deaf ears

2016 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 196-212 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian Rubrecht
Keyword(s):  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Learners ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Teaching ◽  
Target Language ◽  
Pronunciation Instruction ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

Second or foreign language learners study or are taught various language skill areas, one of which is speaking. In order to speak in the target language, learners must gain some proficiency in the target language’s vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation so that their verbal utterances are meaningful to listeners. However, although pronunciation may be said to be the most fundamental of these three components, it is by far the one that receives the least amount of attention in second or foreign language learning situations. Insufficient attention placed on the pronunciation component can lead to detrimental effects on learners, potentially negatively impacting them in their attempts at bridging the interculturality gap between their first language and the language being learned. The present article will make a call for increased inclusion of pronunciation instruction and training in second and foreign language teaching and learning by relating pronunciation’s importance in verbal communicative acts and by addressing the issue of pronunciation localization. In addition, the article will present a discussion explaining why those involved in such language teaching and learning tend to overlook the pronunciation component in second and foreign language teaching and learning situations.

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