Word Learning Methodologies, Essay Example

The nature of learning is a complex process, which should be given much attention, as failure to do so may result in educational impoverishment. A teacher should employ different teaching strategies to enhance learning. A teacher shoulders the task of bringing out the best in every learner, and in doing so he/she should understand the uniqueness in personality, cultural values and experiences. This way, the teacher will be able to provide for differences and enable learners to grasp and comprehend what is taught.

In most cases, learning is measured using an end product like an examination, but this is generally considered being a blunt process. Learning, however, should be defined as a relative change in behavior. In strive to achieve this, different leaning processes and a variety of teaching strategies should be put into use. In this essay, we are going to look at some of learning and teaching activities I use in everyday teaching practice.

Experience should be used in a way, for learning to take place. By this, I mean experiential learning. In this process, a student learns through personal experience and involvement rather than received teaching, for example, by observation, listening, and active participation among others. Experiential learning focuses on developing a person as an individual, and helping learners to learn to use methods that are comfortable to them.

Learning that is centered on the learner is also an effective method. By this, I mean getting learners physically perform the task at hand, for example, reading. In doing the actual task under minimum instruction, positive outcome is achieved.

The use of drama and role play also enhances understanding. This is so because the task appears real. One student takes up the role of a teacher and teaches the others. The facilitator, in this case, a teacher, only moderates the forum.

Moreover, I divide my class into groups for discussion and ask questions which stimulate their thoughts about review questions, and use the answers aired for further learning. In effect, this develops learners’ understanding and enables them to draw a conclusion.

Coxhead (2006) argues that listening and speaking is a process that enhances learning. Through listening and speaking, it makes it easy to get what a word or vocabulary means. Learners can also take notes in the process to cement their understanding.

Concrete materials are also integral part of learning/ teaching process.

In conclusion, different approaches to learning and teaching exist, and for learning and teaching to take place effectively, one should probably consider blending these concepts.

References

Coxhead, A. (2006). Essentials of teaching academic vocabulary. New York: Houghton Mifflin.