Haga clic aquí para la traducción al español (Google Translate) Introduction Why do so many people spend years studying a language; memorising verb tables, drilling grammar rules, passing exams; yet still struggle to speak fluently? The answer lies in how the human brain learns. Language learning isn’t just about knowledge, it’s about memory & not… Continue reading Declarative vs. procedural memory in language learning: What every learner & teacher should know
Category: language development
Reconciling task-based & genre-based approaches in language teaching
Haga clic aquí para la traducción al español (Google Translate) Introduction Much of the pedagogical discourse in English language teaching has positioned Task-Based Language Teaching (TBLT) & Genre-Based Instruction (GBI) as separate, distinct, & sometimes competing theoretical & instructional views. However, this dichotomy may be misleading. In practice, both approaches address different, yet complementary dimensions… Continue reading Reconciling task-based & genre-based approaches in language teaching
Methodology: An introduction to Genre-Based Instruction
Haga clic aquí para la traducción al español (Google Translate) Introduction: Why Genre Matters in the Classroom Imagine walking into a classroom where students are not just writing for grades, but crafting texts that mirror the real world; explaining scientific phenomena, arguing social issues, narrating personal experiences, or reporting historical events with confidence & clarity.… Continue reading Methodology: An introduction to Genre-Based Instruction
Arguments for ELT publishing reform
Haga clic aquí para la traducción al español (Google Translate) Introduction The English Language Teaching (ELT) publishing industry suffers from significant systemic & structural issues that have raised concerns among educators, institutions, & curriculum developers. While publishers continue to produce materials used by millions of learners worldwide, there is increasing evidence that current practices in… Continue reading Arguments for ELT publishing reform
Understanding language as whole texts
Haga clic aquí para la traducción al español (Google Translate) Introduction Language is more than just words & grammar, it is shaped by context, purpose, & social function & the way we use language depends on what we want to achieve. Every conversation, written text, or spoken exchange follows patterns that help us communicate effectively.… Continue reading Understanding language as whole texts
We need to talk about vocabulary instruction
Haga clic aquí para la traducción al español (Google Translate) “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… Continue reading We need to talk about vocabulary instruction
Transfer appropriate processing in language learning: A fundamental principle
Haga clic aquí para la traducción al español (Google Translate) 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… Continue reading Transfer appropriate processing in language learning: A fundamental principle
How multitasking inhibits learning
Haga clic aquí para la traducción al español (Google Translate) Introduction In today’s tech, social media, & smartphone dominated world, multitasking is often believed to make us more productive. However, research suggests that this modern-day “skill” may be more harmful than helpful, particularly when it comes to learning. From impaired focus to decreased memory retention,… Continue reading How multitasking inhibits learning