The Evolution Of Language Learning

Fifty odd years ago, learning a foreign language mainly involved boring grammar drills

, long vocabulary lists to memorise and a lot of repetitions. Students were not given many opportunities to practice speaking the language.

Over the years, language learning methods and resources have greatly evolved and improved.

Classroom lessons

Foreign languages are now taught using the communicative approach. This method focuses on interaction through the use of role plays, interviews, games, surveys, drama and more. As the teachers use the foreign language in the classroom, students get some exposure to the language on a daily basis. Grammar is still an important part of language learning, which students get to put into practice.

The resources used by the teachers are a lot more authentic and of better quality. Teachers also have access to the internet which has plenty of teaching resources and teaching forums. The use of interactive whiteboards also proves to be a great tool for language learning.

The Internet

The internet is a very interesting resource for language learners. Students can take online lessons, follow current affairs, they can also listen to various podcasts for their specific level. Some sites offer grammar lessons as well as interactive exercises. Via the internet it is also possible to have a pen pal from a different country which again can be a good way for practicing the language.

Language Trips Abroad

Another essential part of learning a foreign language is to visit or spend time in the country where the language is spoken.

Language courses abroad have become increasingly popular. Language schools offer a variety of language courses for all ages and for all levels: French and Cooking, Spanish and Scuba Diving, Italian and Fashion as well as more traditional courses, such as summer camps for juniors, intensive courses for those who want to concentrate mainly on their language skills. The majority of the students stay with a host family, enhancing their immersion in the language and culture.

Helene Brennan is a French and German teacher and founder of Experience Language, a dedicated language travel agency. Helene has been passionate about language learning ever since she was a child. She believes that immersion in the language and culture is a great way to learn a language. Click http://www.experiencelanguage.co.uk/

to find out about French language courses in France, Spanish language courses in Spain and Italian language courses in Italy.

by: Helene Clark

POST COMMENT

The Origin of the Spanish Language Learn English for Free - ULearn's 7 Stages of Language Learning Various Web Application Development Languages Learning Mandarin Language In China Need For Language Translation Speech Language Pathologists And Assistants Typesetting Language Translations Can Lead To A Change In Meaning Satellite Tv Helping You Learn A Foreign Language Good Japanese Language Lessons Languages Books: Cheap way to understand different languages The best language translation services Great Methods For Studying The Spanish Language 10 Tips To Select The Right Multilanguage Content System