Problems And Possibilities When Teaching Lexically
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1. Teaching language lexically focuses on chunks of language rather than discrete grammar points and vocabulary, which better reflects how language is learned and used. 2. A lexical approach poses challenges for traditional syllabus design and teaching methodology which are organized around grammar structures. 3. However, a lexical approach also provides opportunities to make language learning more meaningful and connected to real-world contexts through richer input materials and a focus on the language students will need.
Problems And Possibilities When Teaching Lexically
- 1. Problems and possibilities when teaching lexically Hugh Dellar Heinle Cengage / The University of Westminster
- 2. Problems! 1 The lexical nature of language We learn and use language as chunks – grammaticalised bits of lexis – NOT grammar with words slotted in. This view of language has serious implications for classroom practice!
- 3. 2 The problem of what – and how - to teach Traditionally, tenses plus conditionals plus modals, etc. – which are supposedly more generative. The lexicon is vast and hard to syllabus. Current methodology is PPP, which for chunks is impossible.
- 4. 3 A focus on lexis can mean tedium: – read, notice, learn, listen, notice, learn! 4 Level can prove very tricky as well. – collapse vs. undermine – rent a house, sell a house, buy a house, do a house up, own a house, etc.
- 5. 5 Resistance to the new Syllabus designers shy away from the new and not yet understood Problems with testing The new needs a chance of mindset when it comes to training.
- 6. 6 Teachers also need to change Teach students to do more with what they know! rid / bite vs. We should just get rid of it Do you want to get a bite to eat?
- 7. 7 Changing students’ mindsets! Students think they need to speak more – and study more grammar. In reality, they need more input – and they need to notice language more! Students may bemoan the perceived lack of grammar!
- 8. 8 The killer questions Questions about grammar are basically straightforward. Why can’t I say I’ve been there last year ? Questions about lexis can be much harder to answer!
- 9. We need to get some milk. We haven’t got much left. Come on! Hurry up. We haven’t got much time left. Thirty pounds? That’s quite expensive! Well, at least for me! I had a bit of a late night last night. Well, at least it was late for me.
- 10. I found London really hard for the first few weeks, but after that it was plain sailing. The first few chapters were hard work, but after that it was plain sailing. I know it’s expensive, but we are on holiday so let’s just splash out. I know I shouldn’t have, but I splashed out on . . . some new shoes / a new iPod.
- 11. right in the centre of town out in Zone 5 at the top of the building next to the tube station behind the stadium
- 12. Possibilities! 1 More lexically-rich materials A move to a more input-oriented classroom Language goals and noticing become more central Books become more interesting!
- 13. 2 Less time wasted on obscure grammar Too much time is spent on forcing the accurate production of obscure items of grammar The past and present simple dominate – and MUST be taught lexically How long’ve you been doing that?
- 14. 3 Lexis is more student-centred! More language = more emphasis on what learners want to take from class Topics NOT as a disguise for tense, but rather to explore what kind of input / output students will need in connection to them.
- 15. 4 Lexis easier to connect to Future continuous versus We don’t really get on very well The passive versus My car got stolen wallet passport
- 16. 5 Teaching lexically means really thinking about context Not just a few extra words, but whole situations and co-texts Lexis starts you thinking about content and predictability.
- 17. 6 Tense-based teaching only teaches tense! The tense-based way of looking at language makes conversation much harder for students It omits a ton of crucial information.
- 18. 7 Grammar is often more lexically restricted than we think I was up till three last night …..-ing I spent the whole weekend …..-ing I’m having . . . . tonight. As such, it’s more learnable!
- 19. 8 More lexis = more grammar, not less! The news comes against a backdrop of increased tension across the region. We just carry on trying to do our jobs – against a backdrop of politically-motivated cuts! The election is taking place against a backdrop of increasing instability.
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