Learning Processes and Teaching Strategies
This short article argues that language learning is a complex process involving several stages. It explores the English verb system to show that different aspects of the system involve different kinds of learning and therefore require different teaching strategies.
Focus on Meaning, Language and Form
Many models of learning make a two-way distinction between form and meaning, or accuracy and fluency. But learners are often concerned with both form and meaning at the same time. This paper looks at a three-way distinction which takes account of this within a task-based framework. It illustrates the value of this model by looking at a task sequence built round a discussion task, arguing that learning is most likely to take place when learners are concerned with formal accuracy within a communicative context.
Fluency, Conformity and Accuracy: A three-way distinction
A second article dealing with a three-way distinction, shorter and more accessible than ‘Focus on Meaning, Language and Form���, and illustrating the argument with a lesson based on written, rather than spoken, language.
A Functional View of Language Teaching
published in the Proceedings of the Greek Applied Linguistics Association, Volume 9, 2006
This paper looks at language learning from a functional perspective. It argues that communication is basically lexical and that learners begin by acquiring a predominantly lexical system which they then go on to ‘grammaticise’.