Tag: elt

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Good Grief! Yet Another Article on Grammar & Vocabulary?

By Katherine Reilly, Author, Teacher Trainer

Originally Published in ELT NEWS Magazine.

Grammar and Vocabulary are deemed by many as the cornerstones of language learning. Although this claim does have merit, as these two elements will establish a sound foundation to build upon, both educators and students alike must also acknowledge the fact that there is a broader picture to examine. What about productive skills like writing or speaking? Not to mention receptive ones such as reading and listening? Focusing exclusively on enhancing specific facets will prove detrimental in the long run – not to mention boring. If a balance is struck between all aspects of a language, then the result will most certainly reward the learner, bringing him one step closer to achieving his goal. To this end, grammar and vocabulary must be implemented in such a way, as to inspire the learner and stimulate his approach in a constructive manner; one which will enable him to master the language more effectively.

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Foreign Languages and Pre-Primary Students. Are We Overdoing It?

By Katherine Reilly, Author, Teacher Trainer

Originally Published in ELT NEWS Magazine.

It comes as no surprise that the demands of our ever-developing society would at some point leave its mark on the generations which will succeed us. The necessity to harness a young individual’s true potential with the purpose of integrating it into the global machine has already taken its effect, as schools constantly update and enrich their syllabuses. ELT is no exception as the proposed age to expose a child to a foreign language has drastically diminished. One though would wonder, if this approach is not only sound but also feasible, leading educators and parents alike to ponder whether a child will be able – or willing – to live up to these new standards.

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