Community Language Learning

Introduction

● Students as ‘whole-person ’- not only their intellect, but Ss’ feelings, physical reaction, instinctive protective reactions, desire to learn.

● A Counseling-Learning approach.● Developed by Charles A. Curran

Introduction

● Teacher as counselor● CLL is a humanistic approach taken

from Carl Rodger’s approach (1950): the focus is on Affective (emotional) domain; it is client (learner) centered.

Introduction

● Language process is not just: sender → message → receiver

● It is interactional and communicative. It is a social process.

● Classroom interaction is between peers or learner-knower

Principles

● Learning is persons● Learning is dynamic and creative

Principles

● Learners have different strategies, paces and styles of learning. The teacher makes them feel relaxed.

● Native language is part of the process of learning.

● Clear rules and explanations bring security

Principles

● Group work and cooperation is preferred to competition.

● Errors are corrected indirectly● Thinking about learning experiences

is as positive as reflecting on the target language

Principles

Evaluation is mainly integrative, not discrete point. Self evaluation is also valued.

Elements for nondefensive learning (Curran)● Security● Aggression● Attention● Reflection● Retention● Discrimination

Techniques

● Recording student conversation● Transcription

Reflective listening● Human computer ( promoting self-

correction)● Small group tasks

Questions for Discussion

1.Do you think that a teacher should adopt the role of a counselor, as Curran uses the term?

2.Is any of the principles compatible with your approach to teaching/learning?

3.Which of the techniques can you see adapting to your teaching style?