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Unit 7 covers teaching methodologies and theory concerning vocabulary, language, and functions of language. Grammer and vocabulary usually utilize the 'straight arrow' approach, whilst functions are better addressed with the 'boomerang' or 'patchwork' ESA structure.
Vocabulary is probably the most important of the three, as with basic vocabulary knowledge a student can communicate basic needs, such as asking for the bathroom, where one can find food, or how much something costs. It is important for a teacher to remember that students often have a larger receptive vocabulary that productive, and it is important to encourage the use of the receptive vocabulary. Thus the selection of the words is important. Appropriacy to the students and task are two factors, and words that are frequently used and how they can be applied to different situations must be considered. In addition, if the words are similar to those in the students L1 it may be wise to start there if enough are available.
When introducing grammatical structures one must be able to teach what it means, how the language or word within is used, what the grammatical form is (minimum is it past, present or future) and how the structure is spoken and written. The 'patchwork' ESA method is best for grammatical structures.
Finally, language functions were discussed. Language functions refer to the purposes in which language is used to communicate. Language is utilized in a variety of formal and informal purposes: specific grammatical structures combined with appropriate vocabulary are used with each language function. The 'boomerang' and 'patchwork' ESA methods are best utilized for the teaching of functions.
I enjoyed this unit. I was always the "theory and method guy" when I was working in field archaeology. I also feel like my ancient memories (graduated college the first time in 1996) of my 72-hour English minor (but no degree, as I transferred around too much and didn't meet the criteria without even more!) are being stirred. Every morning I review the flashcards I made and every day they are becoming more accessible to my memory.
