Mr. Kaufmann, what do you think about mind mapping as a tool in language learning, specifically vocabulary building? There is good info on youtube via key words "mindmapping" and "buzon".
I have read a little about them but am not in favour. I prefer to learn words from contexts that are of interest to me, with a little review from flash cards from time to time. Then trying to use these words and seeing what happens. I have no time for mind mapping. Maybe I am old fashioned.
I agree, although I have to say I'm really happy with my current french class. It is only taught in French, (even though it is only 2nd semester), all grammar is first introduced by reading texts, we have to identify changes (ie imparfait, passe compose) in the text and then the rule is explained in a formal manner to us, in French by the teacher.
I'm really amazed by how you manage to talk about these things without offending people or being a target for attacks. You're like the Ron Paul of language learning. :D
I am sure there are great teachers out there. i have just found many to be ideologically motivated and full of jargon and a desire to do research on obscure issues, and to pontificate about critical thinking while not being willing to be critical of themselves and their own ideas.
Teachers and scientists collectively don't really understand how we learn. The natural and organic approach works, regardless of the mechanisms being understood, but it doesn't lend itself to being measured - progress over time is distinctly non-linear.
The current method, although arguably just learning `about' a language is easily measured using the usual grammar/vocab tests.
It seems the teachers are resisting the fact that they just don't understand.
What are your views on memorizing texts in the target language?
A few people have argued for reintroducing the (rote) memorization of poetry in school (as was done traditionally), on the grounds that it fills the student's head with lots of good, well-written English, thereby improving his or her intuitive command of the language.
Do you agree with this idea, and if so, do you think it can be applied to foreign language education as well?
Rote memorization is not something that I would do. I do not mind listening repeatedly to content when I start a language. I save key phrases and words to a date base for review. But I could not get myself to memorize passages.
I consider accumulating lots of words and phrases to be the key to conquering a language. It takes a long time and a lot of input. I doubt that rote memory would help.
rusia actualy is democratic republic
111violist 1 year ago
right handed
lingosteve 3 years ago
Mr. Kaufmann, what do you think about mind mapping as a tool in language learning, specifically vocabulary building? There is good info on youtube via key words "mindmapping" and "buzon".
enkidu360 3 years ago
I have read a little about them but am not in favour. I prefer to learn words from contexts that are of interest to me, with a little review from flash cards from time to time. Then trying to use these words and seeing what happens. I have no time for mind mapping. Maybe I am old fashioned.
lingosteve 3 years ago
Hey Steve,
I have a serious question for you. Are you left or right handed?
zocurtis 3 years ago
I agree, although I have to say I'm really happy with my current french class. It is only taught in French, (even though it is only 2nd semester), all grammar is first introduced by reading texts, we have to identify changes (ie imparfait, passe compose) in the text and then the rule is explained in a formal manner to us, in French by the teacher.
somethingsmatter 3 years ago
I'm really amazed by how you manage to talk about these things without offending people or being a target for attacks. You're like the Ron Paul of language learning. :D
Keep on great work!
yahags 3 years ago
I am sure there are great teachers out there. i have just found many to be ideologically motivated and full of jargon and a desire to do research on obscure issues, and to pontificate about critical thinking while not being willing to be critical of themselves and their own ideas.
lingosteve 3 years ago
The problem might be far simpler.
Teachers and scientists collectively don't really understand how we learn. The natural and organic approach works, regardless of the mechanisms being understood, but it doesn't lend itself to being measured - progress over time is distinctly non-linear.
The current method, although arguably just learning `about' a language is easily measured using the usual grammar/vocab tests.
It seems the teachers are resisting the fact that they just don't understand.
acromel 3 years ago
Hi Mr Steve, you comment about flashcards a lot. Are you aware of spaced repetition systems like supermemo, mnemosyne and anki?
Does lingq has support for spaced repetition?
wuerges 3 years ago
I am aware of these SRS systems. We use SRS in our automatic emailing of saved words and phrases in LingQ. But I am not a great believer in them.
lingosteve 3 years ago
Steve:
What are your views on memorizing texts in the target language?
A few people have argued for reintroducing the (rote) memorization of poetry in school (as was done traditionally), on the grounds that it fills the student's head with lots of good, well-written English, thereby improving his or her intuitive command of the language.
Do you agree with this idea, and if so, do you think it can be applied to foreign language education as well?
qwertyuiop726 3 years ago
Rote memorization is not something that I would do. I do not mind listening repeatedly to content when I start a language. I save key phrases and words to a date base for review. But I could not get myself to memorize passages.
I consider accumulating lots of words and phrases to be the key to conquering a language. It takes a long time and a lot of input. I doubt that rote memory would help.
lingosteve 3 years ago