Techniques and Principles in Language Teaching 3rd edition (Teaching Techniques in English as a Second Language)

6 How is language viewed? How is culture viewed?

            Language    is  seen    as  a   tool    for social  interaction,    relationship    building,   and for

knowledge creation. It is used for communication. Native speaker usage is not
necessarily the model or indeed the goal. Language consists of patterns. Some
language patterns are stable, and others are reshaped through use. Students learn
about the everyday life or culture of speakers of the target language through their
online interactions, such as those from e-pen pals. They can also ‘visit’ and learn
virtually about different parts of the world.

7 What areas of language are emphasized? What language skills are

emphasized?

            Personal    statements, sharing of  opinion or  facts,  reporting   and reflecting  are

emphasized. Computer use naturally requires the skills of reading and writing,
although speaking and listening may also be worked on depending on the type(s) of
technology used. Because of the emphasis on the written medium, class time can be
profitably spent in face-to-face interaction.

8 What is the role of the students’ native language?

            A   student’s   native  language    can be  used    for communication   and support for

learning the target language, as needed.

9 How is evaluation accomplished?

            Evaluation  is  handled via an  electronic  or  virtual portfolio   of  student work    that    a

teacher archives.

10 How does the teacher respond to student errors?

            Given   the dynamic environment that    technology  affords,    editing one’s   own work    is

an ongoing process. Therefore, errors are not a preoccupation of the teacher.
Language use is creative and forgiving. New forms and uses of language are
constantly emerging. Students have a record of their interaction and can always
return to it to improve it, if they want to or if the teacher directs them to.