Era (W)holistic Approach

to Language Teaching
towards the 21st century

Theory of Language
Education is a structured learning experience
designed to achieve intended outcomes
effectively and expeditiously. (Garrison and
Vaughan 32)

Theory of Learning
Integrative Learning Approach (2000's)

- use the total Brain/Mind for learning

- heavy focus on interactive systems and strategy training
- purpose
- positive self-concept
- learn on one's own

Theory of Learning
Seven Keys to Optimizing Learning

Key I The Responsive Learning Environment

- educators and parents should develop new, supportive
attitudes towards learning
- unique learning experience for each individual
- participation

Theory of Learning
Basic Characteristics
- open, respectful, cooperative relationship
- laboratory / workshop
- materials, all types of activities
- emphasis on experimentation, involvement
- curriculum integrates the needs and interests of the
students
- small groups, pairs are formed by students or teachers
- open assessment

Theory of Learning
Key II Relaxation and Tension Reduction

- allows body to cooperate with the mind's energy

- stress and relaxation should be balanced to learn and
function properly (Hans Selye, 1956)

Theory of Learning
Key III Movement and Physical Encoding

- learning process also uses the physical body to transfer

information form the abstract/symbolic level to the more
concrete level
- higher rate of retention

Theory of Learning
Key IV Empowering Language Behavior

- the teacher guides the students for them to learn how to

learn
- does not spoon-feed but doesn't let students feel
abandoned
Key V Choice and Perceived Control
- guided decision making

Theory of Learning
Key VI Complex and Challenging Cognitive Activity
- the four brain functions (cognitive, affective, sensing,
creative) must be involved for effective learning
Key VII Intuition and Integration
- balance bet. right and left brain functions (creativity,
analysis)

Theory of Learning
Cyber-tech Approach
(2000's)
Flexible Learning
Distance Learning
Supporting Learning
Student Learning
Active Learning
Collaborative Learning
Experiential Learning

Blended Learning (2010)

"community of inquiry"

Theory of Learning
Key VI Complex and Challenging Cognitive Activity
- the four brain functions (cognitive, affective, sensing,
creative) must be involved for effective learning
Key VII Intuition and Integration
- balance bet. right and left brain functions (creativity,
analysis)

CEFR

Objectives

Syllabus

Activity Types

Learner Roles

Teacher Roles

Role of Materials

Language Garden
www.languagegarden.com
Learn how to make a language plant
www.youtube.com/embed/8ay9RlnYvuA

Smart Board

Advantages
+ synchronous and asynchronous
+ learning outside the classroom
+ accessibility
+ endless number of sources, materials
+ application of modern technology
+ collaborative, interactive

Advantages
+ students learn to be self-reliant, study at
own pace
+ less work for the teacher
+ less paper
+ flexible time (study and work)
+ cost-effective

Disadvantages
- electricity
- internet access
- budget
- barrier between learner and teacher
- distractions, procrastination
- lessened actual social interaction
- teacher training, adaptation to new teaching style and to
technology

Other Nuances
CLIL (Content and Language Integrated Learning)
- content subjects are taught and learnt in a language which is not the
mother tongue of the learners.
Knowledge of the language becomes the means of learning content

Language is integrated into the broad curriculum

based on language acquisition rather than enforced learning
long-term learning (5-7 years in a good bilingual program)

Fluency is more important than accuracy

Sources
Clark, Barbara. The Integrative Education Model in the Classroom. Columbus: Merril Publishing,
1986. Print.
Garrison, D. Randy, and Norman D. Vaughan. Blended Learning in Higher Education: Framework,
Principles, and Guidelines. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass, 2008. Print.
Goodfellow, Robin and Mary Lea. Challenging E-Learning in the University. NY: McGraw Hill,
2007. Print.
Warr, David. Language Garden. <www.languagegarden.com>. Web.
Whitton, Nicola. Learning With Digital Games. NY: Routledge, 2010. Print.