Language learning research

Language learning research has not changed how we learn languages.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• linguistics
• language
• learning
• online

[JeanMichelAbrassart]

You're deeply misrepresenting linguistic simply because linguistic is not the science of "language learning". It's just the science of language. Most of the work done in that field doesn't have a goal that would be something like "improving language learning".

Most of your criticisms are aimed at what is in fact pedagogy, and not linguistics. And a lof of people in pedagogy would agree with what you say (like that sudent's motivation is a key aspect)...

[madaozeki]

One final point: I definitely disagree that linguistic research is a waste of time. Language is certainly worthy as an object of study in its own right, even if you're not interested in learning to speak other languages fluently.

What is wrongheaded is the assumption (by applied linguists and language teachers) that any of that research is relevant in their field.

[jonnyharman]

You could try to understand research the research, and know where it's from, etc, before refuting it.

[jonnyharman]

Maybe you could try to understand what the research claims, and where it's from, etc, before refuting it.

[funkiwi44]

@lingosteve You could be right (evidence please - no wait, that would mean conducting research). And that is why the area of autonomous learning and online learning is an exciting new avenue of research. Kids are learning through online games and by being part of online communities. We can help them use effective strategies at learning, communicating and building safe social networks. Research doesn't have to be stuck in the classroom.

[funkiwi44]

@lingosteve Actually you quoted Mary Ann Lyman-Hager on noticing. For some people, the idea of noticing is not obvious. Some even have notions of subconscious learning, and that exposure alone is sufficient. Subjective experience is fine for guiding our own learning but to guide others we need evidence that it works, and that is what researchers are trying to gather.

[lingosteve]

@funkiwi44 But despite all the research and additional funds spent on language training, the results in our schools are still just as abysmal and Swedish kids learn by watching English TV before they reach high school.

[funkiwi44]

@lingosteve In front of me, no. But then, results in exams are worthless if you lack communicative competence and communication is your real need.

[lingosteve]

@funkiwi44 I take it back, On reflection these three elements were first spelled out for me the lady who heads of the language department at the U of San Diego whom I heard speak at the ACTFL conference in that city. It immediately struck a chord. But I should not think that any great research is need to support this observation.

[lingosteve]

@funkiwi44 My observations about noticing have nothing to do with any research and are entirely based on my own experience. I have never heard of Richard Schmidt. It is obvious that we need to notice, that certain things just pass me by and it often takes something to help me notice. Research?

[funkiwi44]

@lingosteve Actually, yes. I know how you feel about TBI :P Okay, another example: I first heard about your business when I found your publication of "the three keys to language learning success". One of those is to notice what happens in the target language. The emphasis on this was due in large part to the work of Richard Schmidt and his noticing hypothesis. Didn't take long to find some useful research, did it?

[lingosteve]

@funkiwi44 Have you any evidence that language learning results in schools are better than 20, 50 , 100 years ago?