Unit 1: Language Learning and Language Teaching:

“A teacher can only teach what he is _ He teaches himself”
Brumfit, 1980 cited in Vez (2001)
§ Food for thought and reflection

Good teaching is not just a question of intuition, experience or innate gifts, it is knowledge. Knowledge about theories and how to make choices according to that knowledge.

Theory or Practice?

If language learning is to be a truly professional enterprise it must deal with the various aspects involved in a scholarly and scientific manner and establish a sound theoretical framework
Stern (1983: 35) cited in Vez (Op. Cit.)





§ Following Vez (2001), a theoretical framework should include:
· A clear identification of the scientific fields
· An effective model of interaction -theory/practice

§ Task 3: According to your knowledge of these sciences so far, what is their contribution to the field?
· Psychology? ………………………………..
· Psycholinguistics? …………………………..
· Sociolinguistics? ……………………………

Vez (2001) supplies his own model in which negotiation plays a central and very relevant part.


…las didácticas especiales deben desarrollarse como disciplinas autónomas en la zona límite entre la didáctica general y las distintas ciencias.
Klafki (1986: 37) cited in Vez (2001:39)

Basic science --------------- Applied science

Theoretical knowledge ---------------- Practical knowledge

This intersection is not always produced in the same way

Science/Art
Theory/practice

The nature of knowledge in this field involves PEOPLE AND CURRICULUM
(Vez, 2001:37-40)



Traditional teaching
o Chalk and talk
o
Transmission Model ( Jug and mug)

o Blank slate
o Teacher keeps control
o The most active person
o Lectures and explanations
Scrivener, J. (2005)

Teaching does not equal learning


Teachers
Respect
Empathy
Authenticity

Three Kinds of Teachers
The explainer
The involver
The enabler
Scrivener, J (2005)

--------------------------------------------------
The roles of a teacher
Facilitator: democratic rather than autocratic
fosters learner autonomy
Controller
Prompter
Participant
Resource
Tutor
Organizer
Harmer; J.(2007)

References
Vez, J. (2001) Formación en didáctica de lenguas extranjeras. Rosario; Homosapiens Ediciones.
Scrivener, J (2005) Learning Teaching. 2nd Ed. Great Britain; Macmillan
Harmer, J. (2007) The Practice of English Language Teaching. 4th Ed. England; Pearson Longman Ltd.