Monday, August 23, 2010

Language Learning Strategies

With strategies as tools, learners are often better able to understand information, clarify and negotiate meaning, and communicate more effectively.
General Language Learning Strategies:
*Tak risks with language to extend language bouderies
* Reflect on learning by recording personal goals and successful strategies
*Consider how knowledge of first language may aid in learning English
*Seek out and create practice opportunities in and out of classroom
Aural and Oral Strategies:
*Practice new language;repeat alone or with others to reinforce new language
*Seek support and feedback from others
*Determine the specific purpose for listening before the task
*Focus attention selectively when listening
*Use context and visual cues to guess meaning
*Compare verbal and nonverbal cues
*Observe and model how others speak in a particular situation oe setting
*Learn or use language "chunks" or formulaic phrases
*Transfer and adapt known structures to convey meaning in new contexts
*Use mime,gesture and props to help convey meaning
Reading and Writing Strategies
*Determining the specific purpose for reading
*Use context and visual cues to guess meaning
*Actively connect new information to prior knowledge/ personal experience
*Use chart.lists and graphs to convey information
*Record ideas or expressions with visual images or symbols
*Explore alternative ways of writing things
*Group new vocabulary or structures into categories
*Summarize information in oral, visual and written forms
*Use reference materials to improve clarity of comprehension and expression
*Observe and model how others write in a particular situation or setting
Adapted from TESOL