Tkt Unit 10_exposure And Focus On Form

TKT Unit 10: Exposure and Focus on Form By Porntip Bodeepongse

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  To learn a foreign language, exposure to

language is not enough.  We need to focus our attention on the form of the target language, i.e. how it is 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. 3. Acquisition 4. Interaction 5. Focus on form

Acquisition  It’s the same as picking up a language.  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 not instantly, 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 to understand other people

Which approach to use?  We do not learn a foreign language best

through learning grammar and translating (the grammar-translation method)  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 both inside and outside the classroom.  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 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.