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

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?