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. These patterns provide structure, making interactions predictable & easier to understand. By… Continue reading Understanding language as whole texts
Category: Metacognition
We need to talk about vocabulary instruction
“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
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
Why do so many students drop out from online courses?
In the transition from presential face-to-face English language learning environments to online, it is not unusual for academies & other providers to experience low rates of student participation & high rates of student drop-out. Why is this & what can be done about it? In the following article, I’ll address some common issues & recommend… Continue reading Why do so many students drop out from online courses?