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UNIT 4
This unit explains how to teach a new language in a practical and effective manner. There are three main constituents involved in teaching a new language. These are vocabulary, grammar and language functions. For successful language learning to take place, students must be appropriately exposed to these 3 constituents of language. Hence the various ESA techniques for teaching are presented here as the most suitable ways to effectively teach vocabulary, grammar, and language functions. However, in teaching the three constituents, certain elements must be taken into consideration as each constituent is unique in function, thus must be introduced differently.
Firstly, when it comes to teaching Vocabulary, the following must be considered: the students’ receptive. i.e. vocabulary they already know but do not use, and their productive vocabulary. i.e. vocabulary they already know and make use of; to ensure the words’ suitability to the students’ level and the lesson task at hand, how the words can be easily taught and assimilated by the students; and how often they will use the words in their immediate daily lives.
Then the ESA techniques are applied in dissecting the given vocabulary to ensure that students get the meaning, the pronunciation of the words, the spelling, their place in grammar and their function. A typical ‘Straight Arrow’ ESA lesson type is introduced for effectively teaching a lesson on vocabulary associated with household furniture.
Secondly, when teaching Grammatical Structures, the choice of which structures to teach are largely dependent on the content of the course syllabus provided, and the level of the class. Also, as grammatical structure is considered the most important aspect of a language, it is crucial for students to get the meaning, the grammatical form, the pronunciation, writing and usage. Then when it comes down to the practicality of teaching, the appropriate ESA technique is presented accordingly. A typical Patchwork ESA lesson type is employed to teach a lesson on how to use the Simple Past Tense to discuss or write about books or films.
Lastly, the unit explores Language Functions as the third constituent of a language that is indispensable when teaching that language. This entails knowing how to use the language appropriately by ensuring that the technical, tentative, formal and informal usage of the language is evident and not mixed up or used inappropriately. To effectively teach language functions, the Patchwork and the Boomerang ESA techniques are most suitable. As an example, a typical Boomerang lesson type is presented on how to discuss leisure activities.
From this unit, I now know that vocabulary, grammar and language functions are all vital aspects of a language and are all equally important to effectively teaching that language to students. I also now know all that I must take into consideration when choosing a topic or content for my students, be it for a vocabulary lesson or grammar lesson. Finally, I have learnt how to apply the knowledge from the various ESA types featured as examples under each constituent. For example, if I were to teach a vocabulary lesson on domestic animals, I know I can either use the Straight Arrow or Patchwork types to make my lesson more interesting and effective.
