Language Tuition

Language tuition is a way which one learns the skill of communicating in another language. Language courses usually focus on teaching the student four aspects and that is speaking, listening, reading and writing. Without either one of these four aspects, the learner will be severely restricted in his or her use of the language. There are many reasons for learning a new language and knowing what approaches to learn a language will help you to excel quickly. There are a few approaches which a language tuition tutor will take when teaching their students.
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Grammar Translation Approach

This is the traditional approach in learning a new language. The students are given vocabulary with their direct translations to be memorized. Then, the student will use memory recall to access the words. During the tuition, the teacher will educate them on the use of grammar by explaining the rules of the language. The aim of this teaching approach is to make the student realize that there is a certain logic system to the language, as a result making it easier to digest. This is not always true because most native writers and speakers do not conform strictly to the grammatical rules. However, these rules lay the foundation for the students and empower them to communicate their thoughts in a correct and coherent manner, at least when they first learn the language.

Natural Approach

This method is also known as the direct approach where the student is refrained from using his own language as much as possible during the language tuition. It is a total opposite of the grammar translation approach because no rigid memory recall will be needed. The learner can only communicate with the language tutor or classmates in the target language. The underlying principle of this approach is similar to how a baby learns to speak. Humans have a natural ability to imitate others and this includes the use of language. During the class, the tutor will usually only speak in the target language while using pictures as examples to illustrate the meaning of the word. This method focuses heavily on the speaking and listening of the language because the student can only learn by imitating. All writing and reading material will only be introduced in the later stages of the language tuition, when the student has acquired a good level of oral proficiency. This is to ensure the learner will not confuse his wn language grammar rules with the target language grammar rules.

Throughout the language tuition, the teacher will deploy the question and answer approach. The tutor will point to familiar objects in the classroom such as pencil, eraser, bag and clock and expect an answer in the target language from the student. With this method, students can learn up to ten to twenty words per lesson, just as children would when learning their mother tongue. It also gives the student some oral speaking ability straight away which will keep them motivated in learning the language.

Logical Sequence Approach

This approach is usually used in conjunction with the direct approach previously mentioned. It is found that students memorize new concepts quicker when they are being presented logically and chronologically. The tutor will typically structure each language tuition session in a set theme. An example would be a class on how to dine in the restaurant, where the student will learn how to ask for the menu, the common name of dishes, the wine list, the price, and how to make a payment. All these events are related and flow naturally when one goes and dines in a restaurant. On the contrary, students will find it hard to grasp the concept if they are learning how to ask for directions, but another moment learning the name of fruits. In a typical language tuition session, the tutor will repeat the same sequence of events so that the student is able to reinforce their understanding and master them.

Directed Practice Approach

This method is particularly useful for people who want to master a language in a short time for a specific occasion. The language tuition will focus on the student repeating the phrases. This method is widely used to train diplomats where they learn to use the language accurately but only within limited settings or context such as trade negotiations. This approach is also suitable for business people who want to make business pitches to foreign investors and only answer a limited number of questions.

Language Tuition Conclusion

The grammar translation approach may not be the most effective way to learn a language as it relies on a lot of memory work. The natural approach would be well suited for those who aim to become as good as the native speakers.

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