TKT Unit 10

 

TKT Unit 10: Exposure and Focus on Form By Md. Mosharraf Hossain

 

Exposure to a language 

One way to learn a language by hearing and reading it all around us and without studying it, that is, picking it up automatically (learning without realising)

 

Focus on Form 

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To learn a foreign language, exposure to language is not enough.

We totarget focus language, our attention theit is formneed of the i.e.on how pronounced or written, how its grammar  is formed and used, the form and meaning of vocabulary.  We need to interact and communicate too.

 

Key concepts There are 3 main ways to learn a foreign language. 1.

Acquisition

2.

Interaction

3.

Focus on form

 

 Acquisition 

It’s the same as picking up a language.  

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Learners need exposure to lots of examples of  language use, which is rich in variety, interesting to them and just beyond their level but not too difficult.

 Acquisition takes place place not instantly, but but over  a period of time.  We read and listen to items of language for a long time (a silent period) before using them. 

 

Interaction 

To learn a language we need to use it: 

to interact with other people

to express ourselves  to make our meanings clear to other  people 

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to understand other people

 

Which approach to use? 

We do not learn a foreign language best through learning grammar and translating (the grammar-tran grammar-translation slation method)

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Nor do we learn by constantly practising until we form habits (the behaviourist approach), or just by communicating (the communicative approach)

 

Key concepts 

Learners need exposure to language Learners  both inside and outside the classroom.

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Learning a language is a gradual process. Learners need time and they may need a silent period before producing new language.

 

More key concepts 

Learners’ use language in class to interact with classmates or the teacher gives them opportunities to experiment with language and

find out how successful their communication is. 

Learners need opportunities to focus on forms of language they have read or listened l istened to. The teacher can help them to notice certain points about language, think about their use and practise them.

 

Key concepts (cont.) 

Remember that some learners may like to learn and/ or are used to learning in particular ways. Teachers always need to match their teaching to the characteristics and needs of the learner.