Technologically Enhanced Language Learning Pedagogy

www.tellp.org Teacher seminar 27 November 2009

Presentation 2: Pedagogy and language learning

Findings Impact of technology on children’s language

learningImpact of project on trainee perceptionsImplications for effective pedagogy

Children’s language learning: intercultural understandingDifferences and similarities: “he eats pizza

and watches TV just like me”Affective factors: “they are our friends…they

are in France but they are our friends as well”

The role of technology:“ you absolutely have to see them”

Some possible differences between countries

Motivation Motivated by the friendships and the

intercultural aspects: “you get to talk to people round the world”

Motivation: “a better way to learn a language” “really interesting” “really good communicating” “fun” “exciting”

Confidence: “really nervous the first time” “The more we use it, the easier it gets”; “It’s ok to get it wrong”

Desire to learn: “if they say a word then you’ve got to understand it”; “I think it’s really good, they are away from where you live, on another island, it’s really good, your ears get pricked up so you learn loads more”

“It’s part of our life and it’s better than anything actually”

Processes of language learning (1):reciprocity Reciprocal nature of learning: - “ you have to speak a traditional kind of English”- “we learn new words from each other”

- “it’s real communication”- “it must be funny when we pronounce a word

wrong”- “ it think it’s good because if we say a word

wrong we shouldn’t feel embarrassed because they are learning English and they might pronounce things wrong”

Processes of language learning (2): learner autonomy From anxiety to desire for independence- “Want to have conversations not a play”- “ Really want to be able to choose what to

do”- “If it’s a conversation shouldn’t we make it a

bit more friendly?”- “I think they are doing too much for us, we

should do it ourselves”Role of actual teacher – still a learner too: “ I

thought teachers knew everything”

Trainee experiences and perceptionsThey regard the new technologies as very

beneficial for children, especially from a cultural perspective

They are developing insights into the language pedagogy issues

They are beginning to be able to understand the issues to do with CLIL and with cross-curricular approaches to language learning

They are very keen to use the technology and have good ideas

They are beginning to see implications for curriculum and whole-school planning

Trainees “this has made me re-evaluate what it

means to be a languages teacher”“it’s exciting – I want to try it!”“It’s fantastic to be involved”“oh no not more ICT is what I thought at first,

but now I think it’s great”

Issues raisedUsing the technology Planning and preparation timeRole of teacher

Effective pedagogy: some issues Language use: L1, L2Meaning and formSpontaneity of language useIndependence in language learning Communication strategies