Strategies and tips Jocelyne Waddle Master Teacher of French Middlebury Interactive Languages 2011

Objectives I can understand issues and concerns regarding foreign language learning I can present language learning strategies I can find my learning style I can think of ways in which I can make the most of resources I can learn how to organize my study time

What we remember: Ana Calvi Research shows that as learners we take in: 10% of what we read 20 % of what we hear 30 % of what we see 50 % of what we see and hear 70 % of what we ourselves say 90 % of what we ourselves do %

Language Learning Difficulties Students who have difficulties in one or more of the language systems — reading, writing (especially spelling and grammar), listening, speaking — may experience problems learning a foreign language in school. The degree of difficulty a student is likely to experience depends, to a large extent, on the nature and severity of his/her language problems in reading, writing, listening, and speaking. ( Leonore Ganschow and Elke Schneider)

Strategies: Learning how to learn: Calvi Every day, set yourself a goal Monitor your progress by writing it down Reflect on your learning Talk with other students about your learning strategies Ask for help when you need it Meet with other students and practice together Learn actively

Using Mnemonics to Link Words You can use images to link words in your own language with the words in French. For example, in learning English/French vocabulary: English: rug/carpet – French: tapis – imagine an ornate oriental carpet with a tap as the central design woven in chrome thread English: grumpy – French: grognon – a grumpy man groaning with irritation English: to tease – French: taquiner – a woman teasing her husband as she takes in the washing. This technique was formalized by Dr. Michael Gruneberg, and is known as the 'LinkWord' technique. He has produced language books in many language pairs to help students acquire the basic vocabulary needed to get by in the language (usually about 1000 words). It is claimed that using this technique this basic vocabulary can be learned in just 10 hours.

Learning new vocabulary Divide new vocabulary depending on its purpose. Do you use it to describe, for action, to specify time, etc? Make lists depending on their “job "in the sentence. Color code them for easy identification Put each new word in a sentence to make sure that you understand how to use it. Dictionary definitions may give you several meanings for the same word. Use the new words every time you have a chance in your assignments Look out for similarities between languages: cognates

TPR Study out loud. Move your body to mimic the action of a verb. You will have more chance to remember if you do it. This technique is called Total Physical Response or TPR

Be Consistent Study every day It is impossible to learn too many words at the last minutes. Can you learn to run a marathon or play a soccer tournament if you have never practice before? Practice sentences. You will feel more prepare when you have to write or speak.

Review Every once in while, go back and review. We learn language little by little that is why we say learning is cumulative. Recycle words you know so you don’t forget them by using them in new ways, like making a sentence in the past or giving a command.

Take Risks Don't be afraid to make mistakes. When communicating, we all make mistakes even in your own language. Don’t be self-conscious. Try to communicate in writing or orally. It is fun when you start manipulating language. Be an explorer. Blaze new trails, Speak!!