Friday, March 4, 2016

Blog 10-Kassa Valz (Learning Attitudes in ESL)

Blog 10

Attitude towards teacher and course materials can have a large effect on a learner’s ability to acquire knowledge or a second language; the environment in which the students are learning must be acceptable and welcoming, it must be maintained in a way that is not distracting, be suitable and provides adequate space for each individual to be comfortable. The teacher’s ability to use particular language in the classroom is vital to the success of any classroom, this type of communication is known as ‘teacher talk;’ which early studies have focused on teacher’s methods and on practices of interactions within the classroom. Teachers must evaluate whether their methods and materials limit or increased learner autonomy. 

Teachers often insist on very specific vocabulary in a language classroom, they will also use a general speech genre (basic register) to not intimidate students. Another factor important to the increased success on language learners is the teacher-student talk ratio; teachers should encourage a 70/30% (or 80/20) student/teacher talk ratio to maximize real-time student interaction, this reflects active involvement in student learning and focuses on individual learning techniques. These individual characteristics are what the learners brings to the classroom, their study of a L2 and factors involved in obtaining second language acquisition. This can involve how students respond to the classroom teacher, their involvement in activities and their dealings with other students.


Teachers must always be the facilitator not the source of all things related to ESL. They must allow students to develop at their own pace and to take into consideration all learning factor associated with each individual. Teachers must allow students to engage in the language and use the language and through this learners will discover their own abilities and strategies of learning and acquisition. 

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