Methods of teaching

**ميثانة** · 13-05-2008, 08:28 AM

Total Physical Response
The total physical response method places the emphasis on the student understanding the message, and alleviates the pressure for total accuracy. This is also described as a "fun" way of learning. The tutor talks in the target language, commanding the students to do various things in it e.g. "Stand up, sit down, stand up, turn left, put the ball in the box. Go in the cupboard." Students do not have to start speaking in the target language until they are ready, which is usually about 10 hours into the course. Pupils do well with this method of teaching, but there are still gaps in their knowledge.
Suggestion
The theory behind this method is that it is easier to learn when you are relaxed, so the first lesson consists of relaxation and breathing exercises, in comfortable chairs. In later lessons, students are placed in this extremely relaxed state while soothing music is played to them. At the same time the teacher reads out texts and conversations in the target language.
This method doesn't work well for everyone. Only students with suggestible personality types seem to benefit from it

Total Immersion Learning
This is a program which has been carried out across Canada, which is a partially bilingual country. Beginning in Montreaux, where French and English are both spoken, children from English-speaking families were educated in schools were nothing but French was spoken, for every lesson. However, when they went home, they spoke English as usual. Primarily there were concerns that children would forget English, or that they wouldn't be able to learn subjects such as Geography or Science. However, the following results were found:
The children did not forget English.
Apparently they were able to learn as well in French, as other children learnt in English.
They acquired "lots" of French. Their French was not perfect, but it was good. Many of them went on to study at French-speaking Universities.