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Patterns Of Learning English - 7 Stages Of Language Learning (part 2)
STAGE 2: RECOGNISE YOURSELF We’re very similar you and I. While I was studying for my Leaving Certificate (the final and most important school examination in Ireland) it was of great comfort to me to hear about the stresses and strains all my classmates were under. I’m not a masochist. I really don’t enjoy the suffering of others. But when I realized that I was no different to them it calmed me greatly. Likewise you will be happy to hear that no matter where you currently are in your language learning you will have followed the same path as every other student who has ever learned a language. The time spent at each stage may vary greatly, but the process is as predictable as the ticking of a clock. You can contact us any time for more information on how ULearn integrates the learning path into your English course in Dublin. Stage I: Pre-production Active vocabulary = 500 words This is also called “the silent period.” Sounds scary doesn’t it? But unlike the term suggests it doesn’t mean that you won’t be speaking. Students here have a receptive vocabulary. Through contextual cues and activities communication will take place. However, learners at this stage are not really producing language but are parroting. The importance of parroting is enormous and goes back to the importance of mental rehearsal. Imagine yourself mentally rehearsing the phrases you hear in class 20 times as you walk to the green grocers. This type of mental rehearsal, above anything else, will move students from this stage faster. Teachers at this level focus attention on listening comprehension activities and on building a receptive vocabulary. The social environment is crucial at this stage. Stage II: Early production Active vocabulary = 1000 words This stage may last up to six months. During this stage, students can usually speak in one- or two-word phrases. This phase is where we begin to develop methods for assimilating language quickly. Trial and error is a slow way to learn. Wouldn’t it be better to first develop the skills needed to learn and organize new vocabulary and manipulate new grammar ideas? Doing this makes learning easier and speed. Although production of language maybe low here, your rate of learning is very rapid indeed. Stage III: Speech emergence Active vocabulary = 3000 words Students can communicate with simple phrases and sentences. They will understand easy stories read in class with the support of pictures. They will also be able to do some content work with teacher support. Here are some tasks they can complete: · Read short, modified texts in content area subjects. · Match vocabulary words to definitions. · Study flashcards with content area vocabulary. · Participate in duet, pair and choral reading activities. · Understand teacher explanations and two-step directions. · Compose brief stories based on personal experience. Stage IV: Intermediate fluency Active vocabulary = 6000 words Students are beginning to use more complex sentences when speaking and writing and are willing to express opinions and share their thoughts. They will ask questions to clarify what they are learning in class. Generally this is also the stage where students will increasingly begin to enjoy reading source commercial texts (newspapers, magazines). Reading source English literature also becomes more accessible to learners. Stage V: Advanced Fluency This broad category encompasses learners from Upper Intermediate onwards, and can cover a learner period from two to five years or more. Students at this level can exchange information and converse with peers and workmates at a level sufficient to make very few communication errors and will be able to enjoy source material from books, films, magazines etc. in English EFL learners are generally categorized in ascending order from Starter, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate, Advanced, and finally Proficiency In U-Learn English school Dublin students benefit from a “buddy exchange” technique which allows students to work in pairs, exchange partners and compete against one another. Group work also allows students to compare themselves in a supportive social situation. These activities will help you see that other students really do go through the same stages as you. School days spent learning a second language are tiring and we provide plenty of “activity breaks,” scene changes, and “hotplugging” (mixing topics rapidly) to allow students to catch their breath while continuing to learn. Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com ULearn English school Dublin can offer you a quality English course no matter what your level or age. Contact us today for a free level test and we will start you in an English class that suits you! ULearn has been helping students from around the world to learn English in Dublin for the last 25 years. We are offering some very special offers for students looking to learn English in 2011. You can now study for 15 hours per |
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