we best learn a language by using that language

[Molly]

"Most teachers nowadays would claim that their approach to teaching rests, as I have already said, on the belief that we best learn a language by using that language rather than simply by producing samples of it for the teacher's inspection and correction." (Willis 1998.)

Would teachers here also claim the same?

[Skrej]

I'd claim that we best learn a language by using it to ask questions we don't already know the answer to in hopes of re-engaging in circular rhetorical arguments for the purpose of appearing knowledgeable or, perhaps, some warped sense of noblese oblige in which we theatrically adhere to the role of a long suffering beleaguered linguistic Cinderella in hopes of garnering additional critical reviews, thus deliberately extending our time in the limelight whenever we fear the possibility of the darkness portended by a non-starring role.
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[Molly]

Quite a claim, Skrej. Are you an ESL/EFL teacher?

[MrPedantic]

An astute student of forum psychology, teacher or not.

MrP

[Stew.t.]

Hi Molly

Are you wishing for an answer as regards to most teachers or me?

No mention of passive learning I see ; )

www.youtube.com/watch?v=qeI_oBW7Mvw
Skip the first min and a half.

And which Willis is this the TBL dudette or danger David?

Do you think that Willis has the answer to teaching or learning?
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Please meet Stewart Tunncilff

[Molly]

[Molly]

[Stew.t.]

Hi Molly

There is Jane and David Willis.

In my opinion I have not set defined way to teach.
This active/ passive dichotomy I have changed opinion about.

I would say that TBL or using the language has it´s limitations in that some students do not see the point to it.
Also it is notable to look at the criticism in UK and Germany at secondary school level, where too much emphasis is on TBL.
And if the student does not become aware how to learn, where is the uptake?

This is my main issue with TBL or Willis and his theory, in a classroom situation on the front line, this does not consider false beginners or returning learners, who may be reluctant to TBL learning.

How should we deal with grammar in TBL or show how the language is used?
And how do we determine what a genuine/authentic usage is as opposed to a sample? What are the prerequisites?
_________________
Please meet Stewart Tunncilff

[Molly]

I wasn't intending to focus on the Willises exactly. I was thinking more in general about the thread statement.

[MrPedantic]

[Molly]

[quote="MrPedantic"]

[MrPedantic]

Ah yes, that's him.

[Molly]

[MrPedantic]

Why did you say "danger David", Stew, out of interest?

MrP

[Molly]