Teaching English effectively especially to dual language learners or even English learners is quite a big challenge! Though many English language learners have good linguistic, cognitive, and social potential, often fail to gain academic success. As a result, their prospects for success in post-secondary education and in the workforce are at risk. When English as a foreign language learner step into a classroom to learn English, they often come with a pre-conceived notion that learning English is easy and consider themselves capable of learning it quite quickly. Many learners also feel that they might not be academically good to learn the language quickly.
Such pre-conceived notions and assumptions might be an obstacle in learning the language and directly lead to failure in learning the language. Thus, it is very important for teachers to motivate them to learn the language with dedication and make them understand that learning a foreign language is a skill that all can master if you have the will to do so.
Now, one might think how can he/she make such ESL/EFL learners realize this??
There is even an answer to it!
Have you ever heard of Neurocognitive teaching strategies??
You might be aware that there are numerous teaching strategies for effective learning. Before that let’s know about Cognitive strategies!
What are cognitive teaching strategies?
Cognitive teaching strategies are various kind of approaches for learners so that they can learn more positively. These teaching tactics include, organizing new language, repetition, deriving meaning from context, summarizing meaning, using imagery for memorization. All of these teaching approaches are considered to use language to bring development in learning.
Neurocognitive teaching strategies are different tactics that help feeble learners to learn English effortlessly. Neurocognitive teaching development is based on human functions through neuronal networks. Brain cells communicate with each other through an electrochemical process. Neurocognition includes perceiving, recognizing, conceiving, judging and reasoning processes. The neurocognitive teaching strategies are approaches that are based upon certain undeniable facts concerning brain functions, which are applied to face the difficulties students and teachers face in teaching/learning a language.
Here are 3 crucial Neurocognitive strategies that will help learners to adapt the language quickly!
- Focused versus diffused thinking
Focused thinking is thinking of what we need to learn. It is when we are thinking about the subject matter and is certainly essential while learning something. However, focused thinking might always not result in learning. It is often merged with diffused thinking for positive results. Diffused thinking, on the other hand, is more like imagining. Diffused learning basically takes places when we are imagining and our minds are not fixed on anything particular but are continuously processing new thoughts.
- Linking
Learning is all about creating a link between information. Effective learning only takes place when new information is connected with the old. In other words, we learn information not in isolation but in connection to old information that we have gathered. It can be concluded that new information can be constructed on old information. Thus, linking can be a useful tool if used wisely.
- Automation
Many languages are automatic in nature. In many situations, while speaking, we automatically respond without thinking. It indicates that certain language patterns must be drilled into the learner’s mind so that they can learn quickly. In order to adapt these language patterns, the learners need to practice these patterns regularly. However, there is no hard and fast rule that all languages must be learnt through drilling. It is only applicable for language with predictable patterns.
These are the neuro-strategies that ESL/EFL learners can use to learn English effectively. Learning is a process and can be acquired with the correct amount of motivation and effort. These strategies are like hints that can only make learning a language easier. Just like teaching, effective learning depends highly upon innovative strategies and also the methodology of teaching. Teachers also play an important role in assisting students with the required tools and techniques for successful learning. As we gain a more scientific approach towards learning, we must definitely pay attention to what we do in the classroom and the school premises.
If you are interested in learning English through these strategies, do not think much and enroll on a TEFL course in Chennai program. It will give all the opportunities to adapt the effective strategies to learn English.
Start your journey in a better way!
Written By : Angira Mitra
