Awareness and Interaction COLLIDE!

In terms of interaction, I agree with Krashen that teachers can give "the best possible language lesson" by just talking (Krashen and Terrell, 1983, p. 35). The book uses the example of a school in Wonderland where learners watch programs in simplified language such as children's programs. I see this sort of behavior at my own practicum site. The teacher simplifies her language by saying things such as "Everyone do bell-ringer," or "open book." The students respond and do as she says. As I do believe that listening and reading are important for developing adequate language competence, does this sort of instruction effect manufacturing language competence? In my opinion, I feel that teacher-talk simplifies and does not promote extended verbal interaction, and for middle-school and high-school students, I feel that does not help their progression.

Gee (1994, p. 190) says about teachers of English is also true of all language teachers: "English teachers can cooperate in their own marginalization by seeing themselves as "language teachers" with no connection to such social and political issues. Or they.. accept their role as persons who social students into a world view that.. a constant sense of the possibilities for change."

Reflective Task 7.6 (pg. 165):
What are everyone's thoughts? Agree? Disagree?
*I can see Gee's point, but if my language teaching is not connected to social and political issues, I don't feel that I am cooperating in my own marginalization. Now, I am not trying to take away any importance from addressing these issues, but I feel it must be instructed in the right context. Personally, I feel that the audience and proficiency of the students play a huge role. However, these issues do offer a great opportunity for extended verbal interaction in the classroom. I feel that a teacher is suppose to help shape their students into well-informed global citizens, but we must also be careful with the way that we share our views, as to not offend or propaganda our students into our own beliefs.

The two chapters offered us ways in which foster language awareness and facilitate interaction. The two intertwine in the way we approach teaching and promote interaction.

See you all tomorrow!
Blogfully yours,
The TESOL Bro Tommy T.