foreign language teaching methods

1 - Time on Task

2- Context

3 - Chunks and Scripts

4 - Input vs. Intake

1 - Time on Task:

Presents how technology can aid in the learning of foreign languages by providing learners with increased time on task.

Simply stated, no matter what category a foreign language, learners at every level need to spend time on task.

The online video materials entitled Portuguese Communication Exercises expose students to over 300 brief video clips where native speakers from various regions of Brazil and Portugal discuss over 80 different topics, all of which are transcribed in Portuguese and translated into English.

Beginning tasks require single-word answers or simple memorized chunks.

Intermediate tasks are at the sentence level.

Advanced tasks require paragraph-level story telling.

Finally, Superior tasks require the use of hypothetical language.

The individualized study of these materials provides opportunities for increased time on task.

2- Context

Explores how the effective use of technology has the potential of creating a context for language learning situations.

3 - Chunks and Scripts

Demonstrates how technology can play a role in providing learners with the "chunks" and "scripts" that people use in actual speech.

4 - Input vs. Intake

Discusses how technology can provide learners with increased exposure to a foreign language, but more importantly, it can also serve to increase a learner's conscious awareness of what is heard.