Some bloggers believe the problems that English learners have come about as a result of ‘traditional language schools’.
Well, I teach at a language school in Moravia and the school received an official complaint because I was talking about.. Australia!
I’ve lived in Canada, Scotland, England, and come from Melbourne – surely students would appreciate some tips on how to get by in these countries..?
Actually, not everyone.
I don’t think it’s the schools which are ‘traditional’ but rather a lot of Czech students just want to stick to learning about grammar.
But you’re different. If I I could give you two big tips on how to improve your English:
- Focus on your vocabulary – if you can concentrate on this one area, your whole English communication skills will improve.
- Culture matters too – I’ve lived in several English-speaking cities and can tell you that small talk, knowing friendly conversational phrases and being able to interact with people is essential for building relationships.
Other 151-Word posts include:
Your Turn to Lead
Exploring the Topic
A Mistake that Matters
Good evening, David,
I’ve been learning English for about 13 years now, but I still believe I lack vocabulary. Like you, I think that vocabulary is really important, but that has been a huge problem to me, since I want to apply for the CPE exam in December and I still feelI there is a long way to go. I’ve already used plenty of books, but this is still difficult to me. Are there any tips you could give me?
Cheers,
Evelise
Hi Evelise
Thanks for visiting and for your question. It’s a really good question and something which I’d like to write more about not just because of English, but as I’m also learning languages.
This week I’ll write a reply in a new post 🙂
David
Hi David,
As you know only too well, I am one of those bloggers who strongly believes that most of issues faced by English students originate in the traditional English teaching methods and requirements.
Now, I agree 100% students themselves are often way too focused on grammar etc., but let me ask you – WHY?
It goes back to the same – because the academic curriculum is centered around grammar topics etc. and it’s very difficult for the average English learner to see beyond that!
You wouldn’t believe the number of people I’m trying to convince on a daily basis that it’s not really the grammar perfection that they need but rather conversational fluency – most folks just don’t GET what I’m talking about…
So all in all – yes, I fully realize where you’re coming from on this, but just because you understand the importance of widening one’s horizons and embracing the English language via the culture and life experiences doesn’t mean the students are the ones to be blamed for the unwillingness to embrace those methods; it’s the SYSTEM that has brainwashed them.
At least I think so! 😉
Regards,
Robby
Hi Robby
Thanks a lot for your contribution. It’s worth mentioning that the world is big, and ‘traditional’ might have different interpretations depending on where you were brought up. Having worked in the Czech Republic for a long time, I’d say the ‘traditional’ Czech learner wants grammar – or they say that they do – and they don’t always want to do fluency activities with their classmates.
Compare this to Australian, UK, US teachers who have come from quite liberal education systems and where the goal is to develop communication skills.
I found this example from Victoria, where the curriculum for English as a Second Language (for the final school year) in fact looks quite reasonable, and not at all like the Czech ‘tradtional’ system:
“This study is designed to enable students to:
• extend their competence in using Standard Australian English to meet the demands of further study,
the workplace, and their own needs and interests;
• extend their language skills through thinking, reading, writing, speaking and listening;
• communicate ideas, feeling”
To me these first course aims seem more than reasonable, offering a balance between students’ needs for further study in Australia and their own personal needs to make friends and develop relationships.
What’s it like in Ireland compared to Latvia?
David