Friday, July 10, 2020
How should languages be taught?
I read the Room for Debate article "Should Foreign Language Classes be Mandatory in College?". It discussed how the American education system should teach languages to students. This made me reflect on my own experiences with learning a language in American schools. I learned English easily when I was younger even though it was not my first language. I thought this was relevant to the argument that languages should not be taught in college. College students simply do not have the time to learn another language. When I was younger, I spent most of my class time trying to learn English. In high school I have tried to learn a third language, but I only have one hour to learn. Outside of school I tried to use things such as Duolingo, but I find that these apps are only helpful if you already know the basics of the language you want to learn. Because of how difficult learning a language can be I think it should be taught in every elementary school when children have the time to learn, and it should become increasingly optional as students grow up. However, should schools teach languages when many fail to teach students basic math or history? Or should they focus on improving education before adding languages to the curriculum? If schools are required to teach languages how will they acquire teachers that can reliably teach a foreign language? What role should technology play in teaching people foreign languages?
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Hey Eduardo, my opinion on this subject I also agree with you on how languages should be taught in elementary. I learned English at the age of 5 and by then I've been speaking it. Showing a child a certain language makes it easier for them because their brain absorb more information at a young age. While learning a language in high school, a lot of students do not care for it or simply don't try and master it. Few students do try to be fluent in the language, but they'll always struggle on a few things. Although school is closed, the app called "Drops" helps you learn the languages of your choice day by day. If teachers started recommending this, the possibility of students giving it a try is strong.
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned that English is not your first language. I'm going to assume you learned English at school or by hearing others speak it and not by using an app. You also believe this app helps people learn languages. If you had had an app like this when you were younger do you think you would have learned English quicker and more efficiently? Do you believe that apps like these help people learn a new language efficiently or do you believe these apps are most efficient when the user has prior knowledge of the language they try to learn?
DeleteI believe that apps like those when used daily help people learn the language they desire. There's no use in learning a new tongue if someone doesn't put any effort into it. Something going back to a language you've wanted to master a long time ago might work as well. Getting back into the routine of practicing it through apps or maybe even videos.
DeleteLearning a second language as a child is much easier because the language center of the brain is still developing. When you’re a child you simply have more time to focus on learning that language because as you get older you start having less time for things you don’t prioritize. Learning another language is a skill I think everyone should have. I agree that it would be a great idea to teach different languages in elementary and then let each kid decide if they want to continue learning that language.
ReplyDeleteThe education system should put emphasis in teaching students new languages. I agree with you on that it should be taught at younger ages since as we age we developed new interests that we prioritize because we have no time for them. If schools were to implement this, it can be a new opportunity for students to be exposed to new cultures and grow an appreciation for them at an early age. Teachers should work on monitoring and ensuring the student's progress in learning languages. The teacher could encourage students to read books in a different language or show them programs dedicated to teaching new languages, and encourage the use of apps.
ReplyDeletePersonally I did not have to learn a second language growing up. That might seem like a perk to some, however I really wish I had. I strongly agree with elementary schools teaching other languages, but we have to remember that changing set curriculums in elementary is very difficult. Whereas in high school and college I believe you should have the choice to learn a language. Usually when someone is forced to do something, they no longer want to do it. Unwanted classes and subjects you don't want to take highly apply to that situation. It is true that knowing multiple languages can give you an advantage in the future, but it should still be the students choice of whether or not they want that advantage.
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