Language Learning

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Language Learning
Tips on alternate ways of learning second language
Harold Raley has tips on alternate ways of learning a second language.
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Has anyone tried the rosetta stone language learning program, does it work?

I would love to learn a new language. I'm sure I'd understand the language, but I am worried that my speaking would be unrecognizable. Does it correct your accent so that other people can understand you?

Rosetta Stone is great. It does have a voice feature that will help you correct your accent.

Rosetta Stone's philosophy is based on 'immersion learning'. You will learn all words and sentences in the other language. This helps you to learn and comprehend better than just a textbook because not everything translates 'exactly'. Each language has their own grammar rules so this program helps you to understand the point of what you're saying and eventually as you progress you will learn more about how the words and sentences are formed in certain situations. This helps your brain really grasp the language in context as opposed to trying to come up with the 'literal' translation of words and sentences before speaking them out loud.

I'm currently learning Spanish and German through Rosetta Stone and it's great.

Also - if you're not sure about making a purchase right now, a similar (free) program is available online at www.livemocha.com

With LiveMocha you get to sign up for 'courses' and complete them at your own pace. It's similar to Rosetta Stone's teaching methods but more interactive and you get to network with other people across the world based on what language they know and what language they're learning so you can help out others and they can help you as you learn.

I'd say check our LiveMocha first. I bought RosettaStone because they have languages that LiveMocha doesn't offer yet. LiveMocha also has 'instructors' so periodically some of your 'assignments' are to record your voice saying things or answering a question using the language and you get feedback on it.

Visuals are a great tool to help with student comprehension as well as make your English Language Teaching (ELT) / English Language Learning (ELL) or any language classroom a more exciting place to learn. Unfortunately, not all schools are equipped for this type of learning but most schools will have a multi-media room that can be utilized on an "as needed" basis by their teachers. In addition, the lesson could involve graphics and images using less technology based methods for presentation. For example, if you don't have an LCD, look at using Flashcards or an overhead projector. Simply displaying your handout can truly help an English as a Second Language student grasp what you are trying to say or accomplish. It is far superior to a teacher standing in front of the class with a worksheet while pointing at something the students can't see.

What is Multi-Media?

Multimedia is various combinations of text, graphics, sound, video and animation. It can be controlled, coordinated and delivered on a computer screen and implies interactivity which means the user is engaged in the presentation of information. In addition, multi-media can act as a more 'capable peer' as well as be a tool for student-student and student-teacher interaction. It can lead to more collaborative learning experiences while allowing students to learn with multi-media or from multi-media.

Why is multi-media important to the learning process?

The brain recognizes much more in the visual cortex where our visual memory is located. Comprehension can often only occur after students are able to construct a mental image of what is meant. Once the student forms a mental image, then the concept is 'understood'. Therefore, the more visual we make learning, the greater the amount of subject matter that can be memorized and retained. I don't want to get long winded and pedantic but I think this can help getting you thinking on how to make your language learning lessons more exciting whether it is your first teaching job or you have been teaching for years!

Here are some great sites for multi-media and pre-made power-points lessons:

ESL TEFL TESOL Lesson Plans:   totalesl.com/lesson.php

Interactive English Grammar:   totalesl.com/education.php

PBSKids:   pbskids.org

EdTech:   edtech.sandi.net

Jefferson County Schools:    jc-schools.net/ppt.html

There are many more but this should get you started. If you would like to see a complete list of educational resources online, I have made a directory of ESL TEFL TESOL Resources (TotalESL.com/resource.php) based on the school subjects.

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Michael G. Hines is founder of Icon Group Thailand: http://www.TotalESL.com - ESL TEFL TESOL Jobs + http://ESLarticle.com - ESL TEFL TESOL Information + ESLcontentfeed - ESL TEFL TESOL RSS Feeds

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