PASAA
Publication Date
2006-11-01
Abstract
I make two explicit assumptions and two unfashionable arguments in this paper. The first assumption is that learning a skill necessarily involves repetition, and repetition is boring. The second assumption is that mastering a skill requires a certain discipline of patience, dedication and practice, and that mistakes and 'failures' are an inevitable part of the learning process. From these assumptions I argue first, somewhat unfashionably, that students should not be misled into expecting all language learning to be 'fun'; believing that one can master a second language by only playing games and engaging in ever-entertaining activities is, I argue, counter-productive to long-term success. The second argument is that instead of focussing on entertainment, teachers should promote awareness of the learning behavior of successful learners. I provide one suggestion as to how that can be done in the classroom, with a practical worksheet given in the Appendix.
DOI
10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.39.1.5
First Page
85
Last Page
92
Recommended Citation
Stokes, Phil
(2006)
"Idea Sharing: Teaching Entertainment or a Second Language?: Reflections on Learner Expectation and Learner Behavior in and out of the Classroom,"
PASAA: Vol. 39:
Iss.
1, Article 6.
DOI: 10.58837/CHULA.PASAA.39.1.5
Available at:
https://digital.car.chula.ac.th/pasaa/vol39/iss1/6