Language learning and learners’ needs

LANGUAGE LEARNING AND LEARNERS’ NEEDS
During this session you will explore what language learning is (what factors can influence it). The purpose of this activity is to think together what language learning can be compared to.
Write the following unfinished sentence on the note book:
Learning a language is like …..

For me learning a language is like …..

~ learning to swim
~ learning to climb a mountain
~ learning to ride a bicycle
~ building a house
There is no right or wrong answer in this activity. People have different views and beliefs about the learning process and this explains the existence of so many different and interesting theories of learning.
Sharing Learning Experience
We never learn language items (e.g. grammar rules, vocabulary items, useful expressions) at once. Language learning process can consist of the following basic stages:
preparation, attempts, practice and so on.
Success in language learning depends on different internal and external factors:
motivation and needs,
classroom atmosphere,
good teacher,
interesting materials,
time,
similarities between L1(native language) and L2 (target language)
a learner’s abilities
learning rhythm and pace
Why teachers need to know about learning
When teachers are aware of how their students learn and what their learning needs are, it will help them to …
~ teach better
~ design materials for students
~ give more time to some activities
~ pay more attention to weaker students
~ be more patient with students
~ create a friendly learning environment
Teachers are often too concerned with ways of teaching certain language items. However, there is a danger that this might lead them to ignore the reality of language learning – different abilities, needs, personalities, motivations of their learners. Teachers who are aware of these factors can adjust their teaching to the specific characteristics and needs of their learners, thus creating opportunities for more effective learning.
Learners’ Needs
It is very important to be sensitive to the learners. Teachers should be aware of how their students learn and what influences this process. They should consider students’ previous learning experience, preferences about how the process can be organised, students’ goals and needs, their personalities, interests, hobbies, and so on.
Handout 1 Read the following text.
In September I was given a new group of fourth year students. It was the last year of their study and that is why it was very important for me to provide them with maximum guidance. The group had been studying English with different teachers and I was not sure what and how I should teach them. So, what I did during our first class was to discuss how they had been learning English up to now. To find out my students’ language proficiency I asked them to describe what they would like to improve in their language in an essay. Most of them wrote that they wanted more grammar. However, having analyzed all the essays I found out that my students did not have many problems with grammar. But many of them could not organize and link their ideas so that to make their writing logical. This gave me enough information to start planning our classes. I also asked them where they were going to work after graduation. Most of the students wanted to work for international companies, and so it was clear that my students would use English to write e-mails, reports and official letters. Also they would need to talk to clients from other countries, so I decided to focus on speaking skills as well. Through this discussion I understood what my students were aiming for. During the first 2-3 weeks I also observed how my students worked during the class. I noticed that they happily worked with each other in small groups. They also asked me to write all the examples, instructions and questions on the board and to give out as many handouts as possible. I noticed that most of my students preferred to use different kinds of diagrams, charts and pictures. Now I was aware of the 3 types of needs that I would take into account in planning my students’ course this year.