Questões de Concursos Ensino da Língua Estrangeira Inglesa

Read the text, and analyse the assertives that are introduced.

The field of English language instruction for non-native speakers, commonly referred to as Teaching English as a Second Language (ESL), has experienced significant changes in recent times, due to the emergence of technology and the use of novel pedagogical methods. Conventional approaches, characterised by a focus on memorization and repeated grammar drills, are being replaced by dynamic and interactive methodologies that accommodate a wide range of learning preferences.

The integration of technology has emerged as a prominent transformation in the field of ESL instruction. Digital platforms, such language learning applications and online courses, provide customised learning experiences that may adjust to the unique pace and skill level of each individual learner. The utilisation of gamification is employed to transform the process of language acquisition into an enjoyable and captivating endeavour. In addition, the utilisation of online forums and virtual classrooms enables individuals to engage in real-time communication with native speakers, therefore providing them with valuable opportunities for meaningful language practise.

Content-Based Instruction (CBI) is an increasingly prominent pedagogical technique that has garnered significant attention and recognition. This approach facilitates the integration of English language acquisition with content-based instruction, so students acquire English proficiency by actively interacting with academic topics such as science, history, or literature. The implementation of contextual learning not only enhances the relevance and engagement of the language learning process, but also facilitates the organic acquisition of intricate vocabulary and concepts by students.

Task-Based Learning (TBL) places emphasis on the utilisation of language as a means to achieve certain objectives. Within Task-Based Language (TBL) classes, the conventional approach of introducing a language element followed by practise and production is substituted with the use of activities that require students to employ English in a genuine manner. This may encompass the resolution of problems, the execution of tasks, or the enactment of role-playing scenarios. These activities possess a high level of motivation and accurately reflect the usage of language in real-world contexts.

Flipped Classrooms is a pedagogical approach that combines online and in-person learning, wherein students are assigned to review instructional materials, often in the form of video courses, outside of the classroom, and subsequently participate in interactive activities during class time to consolidate their understanding. This technique facilitates increased engagement during classroom sessions and affords educators the chance to deliver focused assistance in areas requiring the greatest attention.

Cultural Immersion programmes, which involve placing students in English-speaking situations, have been demonstrated to significantly enhance language competence. This approach facilitates learners' exposure to the language within authentic contexts, fostering the acquisition of colloquial idioms and idiomatic use, which are frequently omitted in conventional instructional materials.

In summary, the contemporary approaches to ESL instruction are distinguished by a transition towards enhanced authenticity, interactivity, and individualization in the learning process. Through the use of technology and the implementation of novel pedagogical approaches, educators have enhanced capabilities to adequately equip students for practical English communication in real-life scenarios, making the learning experience more efficacious and pleasant, and at the same time recognising the cultural context meaning in the process of language acquisition.

(Available in: https://www.skylineuniversity.ac.ae/knowledge-update/from-different-corners/. Adapted.)

TEXT:

Making homework count

By Stephanie Hirschman

October 8, 2024

Homework and independent study can make a massive contribution to students’ progress, particularly when classes don’t meet daily, or students aren’t living, working or studying in anglophone environments. There are several issues to consider when setting homework.

Why students are doing homework is a fundamental question which can cover a wide spectrum of reasons. The most obvious is that it offers both teachers and students a chance to check on learning and identify areas for further review and consolidation. Exam preparation courses make use of homework to consolidate and accelerate learning and deliver results. Finally, some institutions require teachers to set homework and some clients, for example parents, believe that a course with homework offers better value for money.

Whatever the reason behind setting homework, be clear with students about how they’ll benefit from the assignment, how to do it effectively, how long they should spend on it and how it will be marked.

The homework that many people expect from a language course is “more of the same” exercises, that is, those that offer extra opportunities to practice grammar or vocabulary from the lesson.

It is also possible to bring in practice from other online or print sources, but this can sometimes be problematic, especially for lower levels. Make sure that the resource you choose maps onto the lesson content without placing extra demands on students, for example, by introducing a completely different context or topic with unfamiliar vocabulary to practice a grammar point. You also need to make sure that terminology is consistent – students who are expecting to practice present continuous may not recognize that it is also called present progressive. With lower levels, go over the instructions and/or demonstrate one of the exercises so they know how to get started.

It's worth mentioning here that flipped learning may also be a useful approach to homework. This is where students preview part of the lesson plan (like a reading or listening task) or research a general topic independently before class in order to maximize opportunities for communicative activities during the lesson.

Other types of homework include semi-controlled practice of target language. Students could write personal sentences including vocabulary items or grammatical structures from the class – note that they may need training to do this. A sentence like, “The milk went off,” is not as effective for learning as, “We had no milk for the coffee this morning – it went off because we didn’t put it in the fridge last night.” You may wish to provide some question or example prompts as support.

An unusual and motivating type of speaking homework is a personalized bingo game. Students create their own bingo card, which might be a 4x4 grid. In each cell, they write a key word or structure from the lesson that they wish to practice during the next few days. They carry the card around in their pocket, and every time they use an item of target language, they can tick it off, aiming to complete a line. This is especially suitable for students who are living, working or studying in anglophone environments. Teachers can monitor progress regularly and even offer small prizes.

The question of what teachers actually do with homework also has multiple possible responses, which will depend on the teaching context. At one end of the spectrum, if there is good buy-in from the students, teachers may only need to point them towards a selected set of “more of the same” exercises and make sure the answers are accessible for self-checking. Make it clear that you welcome questions if anything isn’t clear and test regularly to check understanding.

Whatever choices you make about homework, here’s one final tip. It’s best to complete assignments the day after receiving them and not on the same day. Research on spaced repetition shows that reviewing information after around 24 hours, “just before you forget it,” is the most effective way to boost retention.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/blog/post/makinghomework-count

Acesso em 25/10/2024