“You shall know a word by the company it keeps.” – J.R. Firth (1957) Introduction J.R. Firth emphasised the importance of context in understanding vocabulary & that words are best learned in meaningful contexts rather than in isolation. Words tend to appear in predictable phrases with other words, e.g. “strong coffee” rather than “powerful coffee,”… Continue reading We need to talk about vocabulary instruction
Category: Curriculum
Transfer appropriate processing in language learning: An essential principle
Introduction Effective language learning means engaging in meaningful tasks that develop the knowledge, skills, & attitudes that are necessary for real-world communication. Transfer appropriate processing (TAP) is a fundamental principle in instructional design that ensures learning activities develop the competencies students need to participate in their target discourse communities. By aligning educational experiences with real-life… Continue reading Transfer appropriate processing in language learning: An essential principle
Meaning first: Why connecting form and meaning is essential for language learning
Language learning is far more than memorising vocabulary & grammar rules; it is about understanding & using language meaningfully in real-world contexts. For learners, this involves making connections between linguistic forms & their functions in communication. Whether students aim to join discourse communities, handle everyday tasks, or succeed in high-stakes exams, the key to… Continue reading Meaning first: Why connecting form and meaning is essential for language learning