Effective Language Learning Principles and Self-Directed Approach
Language learning involves more than just acquiring vocabulary; it's about personal growth and development. Self-directed learning plays a crucial role in achieving language proficiency and applying knowledge in various life contexts. Explore the principles of effective language learning, the role of self-direction, and the significance of being a self-directed learner to enhance language acquisition and personal development.
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Presentation Transcript
INTRODUCTION TO LANGUAGE LEARNING Basics to get you started
Principles for Effective Language Learning Definition of language learning: What it is and isn t Self Directed learning: What is it? The Role of the Language Coach Importance of journaling for reflection & self awareness in language and cultural acquisition Developing A Personal Motivation Plan Use of Self Reports & Learning Contracts
Definition of Language Learning Second Language Acquisition: The process by which people learn a language which is not their native language. (Macmillan Dictionary) But it is more than this! Language learning is fundamentally a function of social behavior and not a commodity Lonna Dickerson The process of language learning is about so much more than just learning vocabulary. It is NOT just about being able to speak well, although that is a goal. It is also about personal growth and development as well. In learning a second language and acculturating, we can learn life principles that will later transfer to other areas of life and ministry. Discussion: How can you keep from thinking of language as a commodity or a task to be completed? What are some ways our learning process can benefit us in future ministry tasks & relationships?
Self Directed Learning Because language acquisition is individualized & is truly a part of doing life , the process must become self directed by the learner. What is self direction? A set of conditional freedoms which, in a given context, make it possible for individuals to: 1) determine their objectives 2) define the content & process of their own learning, 3) select their own methods & techniques, 4) monitor and evaluate their own progress & achievements. David Little Discussion: Break down the definition of SD. Talk through each of the 4 components. What will that look like in your learning context?
SD Learning: Why its important Autonomy is a defining characteristic of ALL sustained learning. Discussion: Why do you feel that being self directed is important for your learning process? Being self directed is the means by which learners transcend the limitations of their learning situations. Self direction teaches you how to apply your learning in the day to day.
What Does a Self Directed Learner Look Like? Takes responsibility for own learning Self directed learners are life long learners! Lessons of planning, goal setting, intentionality and maintained motivation extend well beyond the language learning process and can determine success in life & ministry! Set their own learning goals Make intentional plans and implement strategies to accomplish these plans Adapt to changing situations Don t wait to be told what to do Don t lose hope of ever achieving their goals of proficiency. Don t give up!
Life Long Learning Self directed learners are life long learners! Lessons of planning, goal setting, intentionality and maintained motivation extend well beyond the language learning process and can determine success in life & ministry! Please visit the following website and take the 7 Attitudes of Learning Test Be prepared to discuss the results at your next coaching session. http://www.selfdirectedlearning.com/becomin g-self-directed/activity-17-successful- attitudes.html Discussion: What area(s) of self direction do you feel most confident in? What area(s) do you feel you need additional help or training in?
Role of the Language Coach Primary responsibility is to encourage the language learner. Discussion: What are your expectations of your coach? The coach works with the language learner to co-create activities & methods and to mutually discover what works for the student. What should your coach expect of you? Coach helps the student to set goals and maintain motivation to reach them.
Journaling for Self Reflection The unexamined life is not worth living. - Plato Even if you are not reflective by nature, it can be developed like anything else. Collecting experiences & cultural observation does not go deep enough into helping you understand they whys of the culture and your responses to it. Without self reflection, you cannot become self directed. Without self direction you will not develop habits for life long language learning. Discussion: What is your past experience with journaling?
Journaling: What am I reflecting on? Assessing current needs (both language & lifestyle) and setting goals. Example: Out in the neighborhood & not able to say something. Make a note & find out! Evaluating resources: What is working well? How can I get more of that? What am I missing? Where can I find that? -Go beyond books! TV, radio, internet, social media etc Choosing activities & techniques -Reflect on what is working in community practice as well as in the classroom. Journaling in this sense is not diary keeping. It is observation, documentation and reflection. All three of these are necessary for effective planning, goal setting, self correction and sustained learning.
Journaling: What am I reflecting on? Monitoring the Process Discussion : Ideally, people would reflect on these concepts daily. What is a realistic weekly journaling goal for you? -What am I learning about myself? How am I responding to my circumstances? How are people responding to me? Etc. -What is working well in my language learning situation? Evaluating Progress -What can I do now that I couldn t do last week? What do I want to be able to do next week? Next month? 6 months?
Developing a Personal Motivation Plan When we think about motivation, it is helpful to think of it in 3 categories: mega-motivators, mini motivators, and de-motivators. Did you know? Motivation is one of the MAIN determining factors in success in developing a second or foreign language!! It determines the extent of active, personal involvement in the learning. Examples of Mega-motivators: A desire to change my identity and become a member of a new culture. A need of this language for long term social or work relationships.
Developing A Personal Motivation Plan Examples of Mini-motivators: I need this language to survive in daily life I m enjoying my activities. God called me to minister in this culture Other people want me to learn this language. Discussion: See your Developing a Motivation Plan Worksheet and begin working on your own list of motivators & de- motivators. Examples of De-motivators: I don t want to change my identity. I don t like the way I have to learn Language learning involves making a lot of mistakes; it involves big laughed at & I am an adult!
Developing a Personal Motivation Plan Motivation is something you manage like money or energy. Discussion: Beyond just managing the emotional side of motivation, our physical health contributes to this as well. What areas of physical health will be important for you to address in maintaining motivation? Part of being a self directed learner is discovering how to manage your emotions and your motivation. The overall key to maintaining motivation is to make sure the motivators are winning out over the de- motivators.
Self Reports More than busy work, self reports are an important part of self reflection and analysis of what is working and what needs to be improved in the language learning process. Reports help the learner to: Stay on task Get advice & encouragement regularly Maintain higher degree of motivation Learn more efficiently Grow in ability to reflect on learning processes & results Become more self directed Discussion: Familiarize yourself with the Language & Transition Update as well as the Language Study Report documents in the Language & Orientation Manual.
Self Reports Self reports and honest self reflection can be an important component of the coach- student relationship. Discussion Self reports are due twice a month, before each coaching session. Do you foresee obstacles to completing this report? How can you overcome them? Maintaining the habit of observation, documentation and reflection will help instill habits of life long learning, well beyond the time of formal language study. Written records can be an encouragement to students as they see progress and no longer struggle with old frustrations!
Learning another language & adjusting to life in another culture is not an easy job! But with God s enablement, hard work and the encouragement of the people around you, it can be done!! (Without the help of robots )
