Considerations for English Learning Strategies - Essay Example

? Strategies for English Learners Introduction English is an international language that is used for various reasons across the globe. The language has been widely used for reasons such as business, politics, international relations and tourism among many other reasons. Studying English is for various reasons that include preparation for English proficiency in examinations, international travels and for career development. Although many English students consider going to school as sufficient enough for learning the language, other strategies should also be used as examined in this paper. The strategies used need to consider other factors such as the critical period hypothesis, neurological, psychomotor and cognitive levels of English learners. Considerations for English Learning Strategies Proficiency in learning, reading and writing English can be achieved through various strategies. However the strategies need to consider various aspects of English learning. The critical period hypothesis is an important factor that needs consideration in any English learning strategy. The hypothesis postulates that there is a significant relationship between the ability of learners to acquire a given language and their age. According to ........, English learners in a linguistically rich environment could easily acquire the language within a given window period after which the students could require exertion of more efforts to acquire the language. Therefore, acquisition of proficiency in English could be accomplished early in life based on the critical period hypothesis. At this period, it is easier for children to acquire the language and other motor skills. Acquisition of the language after the period could be difficult and the learner might never attain full command of English. Neurology should also be considered in the strategies employed in learning and acquisition of proficiency in English. Based on neurology, it is argued that the human brain is laterized with the left hemispheres of the brain being perceived as being the language area. Deformities in the left parts of the brain especially Broca and the Wernicke’s areas could derail proficiency in language acquisition, reading, writing and even spoken language. In relation to language acquisition, Chomsky argues that humans are born hard wired to acquire language. The language acquisition devices he developed has linguistics properties that distinguish speech sounds from other sounds, organizes linguistic data into various classes and engages in constant evaluation of language development. According to ............., the motor hypothesis maintains that babbling is a product of motor development in humans although some researcher do not agree. For instance, Pettito and other researchers propose that babbling is a neurolinguistic foundation. They argue that the rhythms of natural language can be determined biologically and therefore the babbling of babies is for them to discover the sounds of languages in their environment. Cognitive considerations for English learning strategies require that the learning techniques involve the abilities of humans for learning. According to ......., humans learn through taking of instructions, imitation of other people’s behaviour and observation. These learning abilities utilize the senses of endowed to individuals. Through cognitive learning, students go beyond simple imitation techniques to provide knowledge through mental or cognitive processes. The cognitive methods that could be used in English learning include the mental representation of physical objects and events in addition to processing of other linguistic information. Through cognitive process, English learners could learn by listening, watching, reading, touching and experiences. The learning process in cognitive may be passive since there is no motor movement. Affective consideration is another factor that must be considered while choosing the best learning method for English learning. Affective learning involves emotions. English students are humans and therefore have emotions. These are feelings that are attached to certain words in the English language. In the course of learning English, students should be taught using methods that attach emotions to different words in order to bring about the intended meaning. Psychomotor consideration of English learning strategies involves the learning method that requires students to match their cognitive functions and physical activity or movements. Motor in learning involves learning that is accompanied by movements, coordination and manipulation of things. Actions are involved in order to demonstrate the different motor skills of English learners. Learners engage in activities that keep their body parts such as arms, fingers and feet active. Strategies for English learning To become proficient in English, various strategies should be used to enhance English speaking, listening, writing, grammar, acquisition of vocabulary and engaging in serious conversation in English in various fields. Pronunciation is also an important factor in the attainment of proficiency in English. English speaking practices This is an important strategy that involves English learners to practice speaking the language as much as possible. Speaking is a practical skill that is needed for indication of proficiency in English. The activity involves cognitive, neurological and psychomotor considerations since it the brain and other body parts are involved. Reading and studying English books is important. However, it does not enhance proficiency in speaking of English. Through practicing speaking of English, English learners are able to perfect on the pronunciation that fulfils the linguistic consideration of learning the language. Class Participation English learning activities in the class involve pairing up of students and being involved in group speaking activities. The teacher may not be required to use a text book although he/she may use other learning materials and call on students to exercise the language. This strategy is good as it supplements the learning activities within the text book. Group work involves utilization of old materials and practicing of English skills in different ways. Participating in group activities and class activities is a strategy that considers the linguistic abilities of English learning. According to .............., learners are in a position to learn best through observation, listening and practices. Classmates could guide each other while correcting each other’s mistakes thereby motivating themselves. In addition to the linguistic consideration, class participation enhances English learning through the utilization of neurological and motor skills. Moreover, students are able to develop their cognitive skills of learning through integration of physical activities such as speaking and cognitive skills. As noted by .............., class participation involves affective learning in which students are in a position to associate different English words and expressions with their affections in order to reveal their true meaning. Review of present and old materials This is an important strategy that keeps learners updated on what has already been taught in English. The review of past materials helps English learner to understand what they are taught. The review involves reading and integration of other physical activities. Through review of past English lessons, students are able to perfect on what they are taught as well as developing proficiency in the language. The strategy is vital since it considers the importance of cognitive learning. Listening This is an important learning strategy for English learners. The strategy involves students being attentive throughout the learning experience. Doing Homework If English learners do not do their homework assignments and do not do them well, then how can they progress? How can the teacher check their writing, grammar, and reading skills if you do not do their homework? The exercises reveal weaknesses of students while helping the teacher to improve their proficiency. Practicing English outside the classroom Outside classroom English practices is good because it helps students to develop their English skills, especially in speaking, even if it is not for homework. If students never practice their English outside the class, then it is difficult for them to develop fluency in speaking, reading, and writing. How can they gain confidence in these core language skills? Just spending 45 minutes a day with your English instructor is not enough. Students should find anyone who can speak in English, such as their friends, family, and foreigners and try to converse with them in English if possible. Experiences of Successful activities We practiced speaking and reading as part of group activate in English learning. The activities were to be incorporated in a group of five individuals. Each individual had an opportunity to read text written in English. The thereafter, each group member listened carefully to the reading noting down the mistakes the reader was making. The reader could then be discussed in terms of proficiency in English reading in areas such as fluency, phonemes and stress applications. The second activity involved public speaking in which topics were written on some papers and a group member was to pick a topic at random and discuss it in public. The period for preparation was only five minutes. The aim was to enhance fluency in speaking of English so that students do not have difficulties in engaging in English conversations and debates as shyness was eliminated. The findings of the activities were great. The first activity was undertaken by every person and we learnt that it is possible to read fluently by being guided by your colleagues. Students are able to note that they are not the only ones who make mistakes since their colleagues do. Through such motivation, one is able to learn and increase fluency in English reading. The second activities enhanced affective learning of English since students could express themselves publicly before their colleagues. References Brown, H.D. ( 2007) Principles of Language and teaching (5th ed.) Boston, MA: Longman Read More