In class, we discussed about the different theories on how language is acquired and how methodologies changed over the years.  Today,  ESL teachers are incorporating the sociocultural aspects when teaching the language. Unlike before, the major emphasis is on grammar.   This approach is more meaningful to the students for their field of experience is integrated and more interaction is taking place during class.

The jigsaw is an excellent  activity to involve all students.  I enjoyed the class and I am looking forward for the upcoming sessions.

Jigsaw Activity

I was eager that tonight’s class session included one of many cooperative learning strategies for a classroom especially with English Language Learners (ELL).  The Jigsaw strategy made an excellent ice-breaker. I had the opportunity to meet Donna and Jackie.  This was an excellent tool that encourages listening and engagement of the lesson.  Chapter One discusses the varying approaches to language learning.  A thought that strikes me is how the theories are moving towards students involving their meaningful experiences in their new language.  I believe that any learning becomes authentic and meaningful to a child if there is some connection to their prior knowledge and the new concepts.  Once that association is made then the knowledge becomes genuine to the learner.  I enjoyed tonight’s group presentations and look forward to more engaging discussions!

1/26 Chapter 1 Reflection

Today in class we discussed the means in which language is acquired. I really enjoyed how everyone was grouped up and asked to read different sections of the chapter. I feel that jigsaw is a great activity for teachers to use and for students to participate in. In our groups we were able to interpret the different methods of acquiring language like the audiolingual method and grammar translation method. Also since Chomsky's theory on the Language Acquisition device it prompted other theorists in the language field to take a different more interactive approach when teaching a secondary language. Lastly I felt it was important that everyone was able to express their opinions on whether or not they agreed with LAD or UG because everyone acquires language in different ways.

The Jig saw activity was a good way to start the class and have every one participate. It forced the class to read the section and to present their findings, which informs the class. I also focused on cooperative learning, because you have to ask your group members on their interpretation of the text that was read.

Chapter#1 - January 26, 2012

“Nature versus nurture” issues are always followed on many theories including language learning. The first chapter focuses on the historical perspective. The jigsaw activity allows an individual to focus on his or her topic and cooperate with group mates; and it also gives opportunities to learn from others by sharing. My group discussed about Chomsky’s contributions and his theories. Although Chomsky’s theories are dominantly for the first language acquisition, they are helpful to understand how a language is acquired. According to Chomsky’s theories, the innateness of human enables to acquire languages. As many other theories and data have proven, the first language acquisition requires a critical period and it is somewhat related to generic too. I believe both learning and acquiring are influenced by both nature and nurture including language, but the debate can arise from how much nature or nurture contributed to the learning and acquiring. I’d like to read and discuss more about these issues so that I can understand better.

Reflection 1

The Jigsaw activity is a good example of Cooperative Learning and it can be use in teaching any lessons. It is a fun way of teaching and also a fun way of enforcing active participation within the students. Moreover, it is also a great way of sharing ideas, thoughts, and opinion about the lesson/subject that is being covered. It was great to hear from my classmates about their opinion about the Chomsky's Theory and their personal experiences in teaching a class. Furthermore, the activity also helped us better understand the chapter/lesson in a more simple and concise through the perspective of the presenter/speaker, using the summaries from each groups. As a result, we also saved us a lot of time and the activity made learning FUN.

----MJoy Guiking

Jan.26

The Jigsaw activity was a nice way of getting everyone's interpretation of the approaches mentioned in Chapter One. I like that more than half of the class are current teachers and that many are teaching a language other than English. For my fellow ESL majors and myself, this allows us an opportunity to hear and learn about the experiences actual teachers have in L2 teaching and acquisition. The chapter was a nice way to ease into the book. As ESL majors, we learn about the different methods and approaches from the past to present and the chapter brought back many of the lessons and discussions we have in our linguistic courses.

chapter 1 reflection