TKT Unit 10: Exposure and Focus on Form

By Md. Mosharraf Hossain

Exposure to a language
One

way to learn a language by hearing and reading it all around us and without studying it, that is, picking it up automatically (learning without realising)

Focus on Form
To learn a foreign language, exposure to language is not enough. We need to focus our attention on the form of the target language, i.e. how it is pronounced or written, how its grammar is formed and used, the form and meaning of vocabulary. We need to interact and communicate too.

Key concepts
There are 3 main ways to learn a foreign language. 1. Acquisition 2. Interaction 3. Focus on form

Acquisition
Its the same as picking up a language. Learners need exposure to lots of examples of language use, which is rich in variety, interesting to them and just beyond their level but not too difficult. Acquisition takes place not instantly, but over a period of time. We read and listen to items of language for a long time (a silent period) before using them.

Interaction
To

learn a language we need to use it:

to

interact with other people to express ourselves to make our meanings clear to other people to understand other people

Which approach to use?

We do not learn a foreign language best through learning grammar and translating (the grammar-translation method) Nor do we learn by constantly practising until we form habits (the behaviourist approach), or just by communicating (the communicative approach)

Key concepts
Learners need exposure to language both inside and outside the classroom. Learning a language is a gradual process. Learners need time and they may need a silent period before producing new language.

More key concepts

Learners use language in class to interact with classmates or the teacher gives them opportunities to experiment with language and find out how successful their communication is.

Learners need opportunities to focus on forms of language they have read or listened to. The teacher can help them to notice certain points about language, think about their use and practise them.

Key concepts (cont.)

Remember

that some learners may like to learn and/ or are used to learning in particular ways. Teachers always need to match their teaching to the characteristics and needs of the learner.