Language Learning

Three (3) Elements in Language Learning

Written by Aziza Restu Febrianto

After reading some books of teachings and teaching many different students, I’ve made a conclusion that there are actually three elements could be possibly present in teaching a language especially English.

Considering that learning a language is a skill, students need to be motivated and encouraged to be exposed to language, and given chances to use it. We can therefore say what elements need to be present in a language classroom to help students learn effectively. The elements are called ESA, three elements which will be present in all or almost all classes. ESA includes Engage, Study, and Activate.

Engage

This is the point in a teaching sequence where teachers try to arouse the students’ interest, thus involving their emotions.

Activities and materials which usually engage students include games (depending on age and type), music, tape recorder, discussions (when handled challengingly), stimulating pictures, dramatic stories, amusing anecdotes, etc.

Example: using a picture and a tape recorder

Students look at a picture of a person and be asked to guess what his/ her occupation is before they listen to that person on tape. Then, they are stimulated by the teacher’s certain movements.

When students are engaged, they learn better than when they are partly or wholly disengaged.

Study

Study activities are those where the students are asked to focus on language (or information) and how it is constructed. Students can study in a variety of different styles. 

Example:

Teacher can explain grammar, students can study language evidence to discover grammar for themselves, they can work in groups studying a reading text or vocabulary, etc.

But whatever the style used, study means any stage at which the construction of language is the main focus.

Activate

This element includes exercises and activities designed to get students use language as freely and communicatively as they can. The objective is not to focus on language construction (grammar patterns, particular vocabulary items or functions) but to use all and any language which is probably appropriate for a given situation or topic. 

Example:

Activate exercises include role plays where students act out as realistically as possible, for example, an exchange between a travel agent and a client, for example, advertisement design where students write and then record a radio commercial, for example, debates, discussions, etc.

Teaching Sample:

1. Engage

Students and teacher look at a picture or video of modern robots. They say what the robots are doing. They say why they like or don’t like robots.

2. Study

The teacher shows the students the picture of a particular robot. They are introduced to ‘can’ and ‘can’t’ (how they are pronounced and constructed) and say such as ‘It can do math’ and ‘It can’t play the guitar.’

The teacher tries to make sure if the sentences are pronounced correctly and the students use accurate grammar.

3. Activate

The students work in groups and design their own robots by drawing on a piece of carton paper. They make a presentation to the class saying what they robot can and can’t do.

TESOL ------> ESA

Engage        -------->    Study  --------->  Activate