Teach English in QingxiZhen - Chongqing

Strategies in Learning a Second LanguageAny student beginning the task of learning a foreign language is starting both a difficult but fulfilling task. He or she is working to be able to communicate across culture with words that currently hold no meaning to him or her. When beginning such a task, both students and teachers need to have a strategy plan set in place in order to ensure the fullest language learning experience possible. A language learning strategy may be defined as such; the strategies either consciously or unconsciously when processing new information and performing tasks in the language learning classroom. There are learning strategies, communication strategies and social strategies that all need to be considered In the classroom, cognitive learning strategies need to be in place. These strategies refer to clarification in pronunciation, reasoning, practice, and memorizing vocabulary. These strategies can be put in place through many different methods. One way of learning vocabulary and correct pronunciation is through a method called GPA. This method is incredible for beginner students just trying to learn how to speak. A teacher acts as the voice for a time. He or she is the only one to speak and the students will listen. He or she will say words or give commands only in the new language, and through listening the students begin to understand the vocabulary words. Slowly the teacher trades places with the students. The students will begin speaking the vocabulary or sentences back to the teacher to practice pronunciation and memorization. Many other methods can be implemented in order to gain cognitive learning. Repetition and listening will always be a large part at the beginning of the language learning process. As a student is learning language (especially in a foreign context) he or she needs to use communication strategies during the leaning process. The learner must practice the vocabulary and grammar they have learned, however they must also use communication strategies to fill in what they have not yet learned. The best way to have the greatest amount of communication opportunities will happen when the learner is living in a context where the goal language is only spoken. He or she will struggle at first, but eventually their ear will tune to that language and fluency will be achieved at a much higher rate. The student also needs social strategies when learning a new language. They need to meet and practice their newly acquired vocabulary. When living in a foreign context, these opportunities come easily. If a student is not living n that kind of context, he or she needs to find ways in which they can be exposed to the language often. A teacher needs to help his or her students think through language learning strategies. One way a teacher can learn how his or her students think is to give a survey asking the students how they learn best and in what type of environment they learn best. The teacher needs to explain (if possible) why he or she is teaching the class the way they are so that the students understand the logic behind the technique. The teacher can also provide his or her students with a list of opportunities or places that the students can go to hear and practice the language conversationally. The teacher should also give their students techniques in practicing and studying. How a language learner approaches the task of acquiring a new language is important. He or she needs to consider their environment, their level, and their learning/studying style in order to best set forth in the task. Teachers must use many different learning and teaching strategies in order to meet the needs of the entire class. Language learning is hard, but it is possible. It becomes easier when the correct learning strategies are in place. Hismanoglu, Murat, Language Learning Strategies in Foreign Language Learning and Teaching. Haccettepe University: Ankara, turkey, 2000. (http://iteslj.org).