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Save Principles of Interactive Language Teaching For Later PRINCIPLES OF
INTERACTIVE LANGUAGE TEACHING
WILGA M. RIVERS
HARVARD UNIVERSITY
‘As fashions in language teaching come and go, the teacher in the classroom needs reassurance that there
is some bedrock beneath the shifting sands. Once solidly founded on the bedrock, like the sea anemone
the teacher can sway to the rhythms of any tides or currents, without the trauma of being swept away
purposelessly. It is fun to sway to new rhythms, but as we ourselves choose, not under the pressure of
‘outsiders who do not understand the complexities of our situation, Teachers need the stimulation of new
thinking and new techniques to keep a fresh and lively approach to their teaching, but without losing their
rip on enduring truths of learning and teaching that have proved to be basic to effective language
experiences.
1 have tied to distill this central core, as I see it, in the form of Ten Principles of Interactive Language
Learning and Teaching, which attempt wo capture in simple language what teachers in different
approaches have found to be the essential Facilitators of learning, These basic principles provide teachers
with a yardstick against which to evaluate new proposals as they appear _to help them delve beneath the
surface features of exciting new theories, techniques, and learning aids, to separate chaff, exciting as it
‘may be to play with, from the germinative grain, and to decide how much of thei established practice can
be sacrificed tothe new without loss of learning efficacy. With this firm foundation, teachers ae liberated
from group pressures to yield unthinkingly to whichever winds of change are sweeping through their
professional field ata particular time, and are empowered to develop and strengthen their own ways of
proceeding in relation to the needs and individual strengths oftheir students in particular context. They
‘may find new trends fully consistent with their basic philosophy and enthusiastically endorse them, or,
‘ot being fully convinced, they may prefer to pick and choose from what is proposed, selecting what is
‘compatible with their own approach and rejecting what they do not see as conducive to effective language
learning in their present situation, In this way the teacher isin control, making his or her own decisions,
‘which will vary with changing circumstances, experimenting judiciously and observing in practice what
is effective and what isnot for his or her own students.
‘An explication of the Ten Principles will help the teacher distinguish between what is fundamental and.
‘what is expendable. These principles are elaborated as principles of teaching and learning because the (wo.
activities are viewed as two aspects of one reciprocal process: the teacher's work is to foster an
‘environment in which effective language learning may develop. In so doing the teacher experiences what
Seneca observed, namely, that “while we teach we learn.” [L] The teacher is a learner and the learner is @
teacher. In the words of an old proverb the person "who is too old to lear is too old to teach.” This
‘cal relationship is vividly demonstrated by the use in a number of languages of a single verb form
‘to express the concepts of both teaching and learning, In French, for instance, we ean say: Elle apprend le
‘pobme; je lui apprends le podme (She learns the poem; | teach her the poem), and the same usage is found
in some dialects of English, The relationship between teaching and learning is well represented by De
Saussure’s metaphor of the piece of paper: if you cut into one side, you cut into the other. It is this
interactive approach to teaching and learning that i basic to the Ten Principles.
Principle 1: The student isthe language learner
[Emphasis on the student leaming rather than the teacher teaching is hardly new. Already in 1836,
‘Wilhem von Humboldt concluded that no one can realy teach a language, one can only present the
conditions under which it will develop spontaneously in its own way; and in 1965 Chomsky redirected
‘our attention to this insight in no uncertain terms{2], thus influencing language teaching significantly
during the 1970s and 80s, Bronson Alcott, who was a noted nineteenth century educator, maintained in
his General Maxims (1826-27) that we should "teach nothing that pupils cannot teach themselves.” [3]
“This radical paradox was echoed in 1972 by Gattegno, who observed that in teaching we are nurturing in
leamers inner criteria that enable them to advance in their learning. “Only self-education,” he said, "will
lead any learner to the mastery ofa skill” [4]In learning a language, their own or another, each learner must develop and consolidate mental
representations that are basic to understanding the language as well as to expressing oneself through it,
‘whether in speech or writing. For whatever we attempt, whether tying shoelaces or driving a car, we need
‘kind of mental map or blueprint of what we are trying to do that guides us to effective performance (see
also Principle 5). This mental representation is very personal, evolving as the learner becomes more fully
‘competent in the language. Different speakers possess even their native language to varying degrees of
control, manipulating it to make it serve their purposes according to somewhat different mental
representations.
In aching a language, we are helping individual learners, in the best ways we know, to consolidate their
control of it, so that they become increasingly fluent in using it For expression of personal meaning. Our
ways of proceeding are often intuitive, since our ignorance in this area is great. We can provide
‘opportunities for observing the language in use and for using the language creatively, but only the
learners themselves can assimilate the language and make it their own. This they do in very
idualistic ways. Consequently, in recent years we have been paying more and more attention to
siffering styles and preferred strategies of learning [5] Sometimes, despite our efforts, our students do not
learn as we would like, because they are not motivated to do so, and this is an important issue (see
Corollary 1.1). With the individual learning process as central, self and peer-lo-peer assessment of
progress and error detection become important. Students must realize they are responsible for their own
learning; they will take this responsibility more seriously if they themselves discover and work at their
‘own weaknesses and insufficiencis.
Corollary 1.1: Motivation springs from within;
it can be sparked, but not imposed from without
‘There is a misconception among some teachers that itis theit task to “motivate” their students, "My
students are completely unmotivated," they complain. Corpses and mummies are “completely
unmotivated," but every living being is motivated. One student may be motivated get through each
Tanguage class with the least personal hassle, while acquiring the barest minimum of the language
compatible with not funking out; another may be motivated to get high grades by supplying what the
teacher of some testing ageney seems to be secking on tests; yet another may be motivated to learn a
subset of skills or a distinctive vocabulary to achieve personal goals, which may not be those of the
course or the teacher. Motivation, strong oF weak, is always there. Its the task ofthe teacher to discover
the springs of motivation in individual students and channel it in the direction of further language
acquisition through course conten, activities in and out ofthe classtoom, and learner-generated or atleast
Tearner-maintained projects (see also Principle 2). Frequently the intrinsic attraction ofthe subject matter
and the interest aroused by classroom interaction will spark motivation to persist with language learning,
and this will continue until a degree of language control satisfying to the learner has been attained [6]
Itis noticeable that language learning motivation waxes and wanes as students feel they can operate in the
language sufficiently to satisfy their immediate needs or presently perceived fonger term objectives. It is
for this reason that, although adults and adolescents learn a language faster in the short run than young
children, they are more easly satisfied with what they can do with it than younger learners who, wishing
to be accepted by their peers and succeed in a new environment, persist toa higher level of control over
the long haul-[7] It is for the teacher to find ways of restimulating the motivation of older learners by
‘opening up new vistas of potentiality. Sometimes external factors do this for us and the student's interest
and enthusiasm rekindle. Hence the number of older learners who return to language study in their adult
vyeats{8]
Principle 2: Language learning and teaching are shaped by student needs and objectives in particular
circumstances
Student needs and objectives are not just personal. They are shaped to a considerable degree by societal
pressures, politial exigencies, and parental expectations influenced by these two. Social forees and
community-wide perceptions, whether reflecting reality or merely hopes and fears, exert a largely
subconscious influence on what are perceived as individual choices. One such subtle influence is that of
perceived career opportunities for the language learner; these change over time, as economies and
political alliances shift in emphasis, and this affects demand for particular languages. Another influence is
the growing importance in public perception of certain speech communities ata particular point in time:
Should our students be learning Japanese or Chinese, for instanee, instead of German; or Spanish oralan instead of French? Is it pointless and time-wastng for English speakers to learn any other language
at this particular period of history when students all over the world are clamoring to lear English?
Despite any rationale we may present, iis factors such as these that are influencing student decisions and.
atitudes. From another perspective, should we be emphasizing oral skis, or are reading and writing of
‘growing interest to our students in this age ofthe Internet and the World Wide Web? What about listening.
‘and cross-cultural skills in an age of so much mutual misunderstanding? These are some of the kinds of
‘decisions that confront us, which can only be resolved ina particular context.
I imperative in the present period of rapid change that language teachers study carefully the language
earners in their classes _ their ages, backgrounds, aspirations, interests, goals in language learning,
aptitude for language acquisition in a formal setting, and opportunities for language use outside of the
classroom (see Principle 10) _ and then design language courses and language teaching materials that
‘meet the needs of specific groups, "One size fits all” is not applicable in our work. A needs analysis must
‘come first, before decisions are made on orientation and content of courses, and this will affect the way
the language will be presented and the types of materials that will be incorporated. Such a needs analysis,
must be repeated in each new circumstance, and also as cohorts of students change in what may seem to
bea stable context.
In ll language teaching decisions, the question Who? (Who are my students?) precedes What? (What
kind of course or learning materials do they need?), and these two determine How? (What approach and
which techniques are most appropriate inthis situation?)
Corollary 2.1: Language teaching and course design will be very diverse
“The days of @ monolithic approach to language courses, imposed on all learners, is well past (oF should
be). AS students change and their perceived needs and objectives change, so will the content and
techniques of language courses. Sometimes language programs are set up asa series of discrete units on
grammar, sound production, development of reading skills, or writen composition, thus tearing apart the
‘seamless garment of language. Study of sound production is integrally related to syntax, which can be of
ro use without semantics and pragmatics. Cultural expectations affect syntactic and lexial choice, as
‘well as sound and kinesic elements These things are best learned and practiced together in use.
Living language courses should be designed with primary attention to content, while allowing forthe
development and consolidation of relevant language skills, Writen language can be improved through
reports and articles on poiical and economic developments in a country where the language is spoken, or
through correspondence (most likely eleetoaic these days) with someone who knows that country
intimately, Classes ean now be tvinned easily across language groups and geographical areas to work on
joint projects via computer and modem, Sounds can be practiced through drama, the reading and writing
‘of poetry, or production of radio or video programs for community access broadcast. The literature and
intellectual ideas of other cultures have always atteacted language learners. Travel narratives, biographies,
case studies from the business of legal world, environmental and confit-reslution studies are other
candidate, the latter often introduced through simulations that involve the students actively.). One could
0 on endlessly brainslorming possibiliies. Language is @ vehicle that should not be driven around
empty
“There is no need, as has s0 often been the aecusation, for language courses to lack intellectual content. As
language teachers we are fortunate in that any kind of content (philosophical, literary, scientific,
commercial, aesthetic, or cultural) is appropriate for a language course, so long as it provides.
‘opportunities for contact with and active personalized use of the language. Wherever there are enough
students for diversification, several parallel courses should be offered at each level, allowing for student
Selection of content and approach, Should such diversity not be possible for logistical reasons, different
‘contents and approaches should be available as the student advances through the language sequence [9]
Students from abroad who will be proceeding to specialized studies in their new language need a different
kind of help: if they come from very different educational systems they frequently need guidance in
giving oral reports and reporting on experiments, as well as inthe formal requirements of writing papers,
Searching databases, and drawing up bibliographies. In many institutions it is possible for teachers of
Tanguage to cooperate with teachers of other disciplines by providing tutorials in the study of documents‘and other textual material (aural or writen) that are available only in the language they are learning; in
yet others, language teachers prepare language learners for internships in career-related fields in a country
‘where the language is spoken. In some settings itis appropriate for whole courses of specialized subject
‘matter (history, economics, cultural studies) to be taught in the language or for language leamers to be
incorporated in ongoing subject-matter courses along with native speakers. Care should be taken in such
situations to see that students, when first confronted with studying a high level of subject matter in their
new language, are provided with a backup of language assistance, so that they do not feel overwhelmed
and fall back on desperate dictionary searching and mental translation into the first language. Such
traumatic experience often sets language learners back considerably in their progress and destroys fragile,
newly developing skills of natural expression in their new language.
‘Content of relevance to the life interests, and future career of the student brings the language alive and.
sparks motivation to use it actively. Let us be imaginative in devising course content and learning
activites to meet the needs of all comers, so that students learn through doing _ through using the
language in intellectually and socially demanding ways.
Principle 3: Language learning and teaching are based on normal uses of language, with
communication of meanings (in oral or written form ) basic to all strategies and techniques
‘To leam a language naturally, one needs much practice in using the language for the normal purposes
Janguage serves in everyday life. This is in contradistinction to the artificial types of drills and practice
exercises to which many learners are still subjected. Manipulation of structural patterns in some presumed
Toil order ina sequence that is semantically incoherent does not prepare the learner for normal uses of
language. Language practice should already be as close to real communication as practicable, Even
practice exercises should be designed to elicit an exchange of new information of interest to the
participants. In 1904 Jespersen, the Danish linguist, observed that language textbooks often give the
Impression that Frenchmen” (substitute Americans, Germans, Russians, Hispanics) "must be strictly
systematical beings, who one day speak merely in futures, another day in [past tenses], and who say the
‘most disconnected things only forthe sake of being able to use all the persons in the tense which for the
time being happens to be the subject for conversation, while they carefully postpone the use of the
subjunctive until next yeue."L10} Little seems to have changed in a hundred years.
is useful to reflect on the ways we use language in normal interaction, Sometimes the use is phatie or
ritualistic, as in conventional greetings and rejoinders and in ceremonial discourse. Beyond this, we use
Tanguage to give and get new information; to explain, discuss, and describe: to persuade, dissuade,
promise, oF refuse; to entertain or 10 calm the troubled waters of social contact; to reveal or hide our
Feelings and attitudes; to direct others in their undertakings; we use language for learning, teaching,
problem-solving, or ereating with words, and these are only some of its uses. Facility in conveying
meanings in purposeful acts, appropriately tailored to the cultural context, is the true end of language
learning, and use of language must reflect this end from the earliest stages.
‘Language in natural interaction requires more than correctly manipulated structures and lexicon, uttered
‘with comprehensible sounds and intonation, It requires also conformity to the accepted forms of natural
iscourse within its associated culture: students need to know how fo open and close conversational
Jnerludes; how to negotiate meaning; how to assert conversational control, fill pauses, interrupt or not
interrupt, and navigate within the exchange so that the conversation is channeled in a direction of interest
to the inerlocutor[11] It also requires appropriateness of language use for particular situations and
relationships. Even gestures of our own culture can betray us. All of these features of natural interaction
fare related to the wider expectations within the culture (see Principle 9).
“There are many problems for teachers to solve if this principle isto be respected. How, for instance, does
‘one promote normal conversational interaction in large classes, particularly among students whose
feultural upbringing inhibits them from expressing their opinions freely in the presence of respected
‘uthorty figures or persons of the other sex? Some students in any culture are open and outgoing, even
chatterboxes, while others are taciturn or shy. In some cultures students have learned not to waste words
‘on comments that do not add substantially to the discussion and find it hard to natter on about trivialities.
‘This leads us to Principle 4Principle 4: Classroom relations reflect mutual liking and respect, allowing for both teacher
‘personality and student personality in a non-threatening atmosphere of cooperative learning
Teaching and learning languages are distinctly different from other subject disciplines. Speaking and
writing what one really thinks and feels means revealing one's inner sell: one's feelings, prejudices,
values, and aspirations. In a new language, learners can do this only in roughly approximate, unnuanced
‘way, that i, in a simplified form of the language, perhaps incorrectly formulated, so that they can easily
give a false impression of who they are, or who they would like people to think they are. This experience
ean be very inhibiting and ego-threatening, if not traumatic. Students frequently seek to avoid it. The
speaker of a new language may also approach other people with a lack of subtlety because of ignorance of
ruances ofthe linguistic system, as well as the associated pragmaties and cultural expectations. A teacher
‘who is not @ native speaker of the language he or she is teaching (and this comprises the majority of
Tanguage teachers worldwide) also suffers from a certain insecurity and may take refuge in the native
language as a teaching medium,
In a highly structured methodology, like the grammar-translation method or the teacher-directed
audiolingual approach, where students perform according to instructions in a well planned, emotionally
neutral, and predictable sequence, constructed to eliminate the possibility of student erro, students are
protected from such wounds to their self-esteem. Once the teacher tries, however, to stimulate interactive
‘activities, where more than the students intellect and memory are involved, the whole personality of the
student comes into play. The language learning becomes, in Currans terminology, a "unified personality
encounter."[12] The student is trying to handle many aspects of the language at once (message intention,
vocabulary and syntactic choice, morphology, stress, intonation, and tone of ulterance) while noting
interlocutor response and preparing to change the direction of the message if necessary. With so many
cognitive activities involved atthe same time, the student may very well stumble over some of them. tis.
this cognitive overload that explains many of the errors students make, even when they know the
appropriate forms perfectly well (sce also Principle 6). These lapses often make them feel foolish in front
of their peers. It is no wonder that many students feel anxious and emotionally stressed in such
situations,[13] Students experiencing emotional hurt and embarrassment may even develop feelings of
hostility toward the teacher, as the source of their frustration [14] The teacher must be awate ofthe many
emotional factors in communicative encounters that can either depress or exhilarate the student,
depending on how they are handled. For students, the emotional threat comes as much from fear of the
reaction of peers as the reaction of the teacher, so time should be allowed for peer with peer bonding and
the development of mutual trust and confidence as students share successful, and therefore enjoyable,
experiences.
‘Teachers in a structured methodology, who are expected to remain within the Iimits of the materials, fel
safe and self-assured, In an interactive communicative situation anything may erop up and the natural
‘exchange may take quite unexpected twists and turns that lead the teacher into unknown territory. This
‘can unsettle the teacher, particularly the nonnative speaker, whose anxiety, even if well eontrolled, may
‘communicate itself subtly to the students and further compound their own,
‘An interactive language-learning environment requires that students and teachers, and students among
themselves, reach a stage of being comfortable with each other, interested in each other, and respectful of
cach other's personal temperament-imposed limits. In order to achieve this equilibrium, teachers must feel
comfortable with what they are doing, ust as students must be comfortable with what they are expected
to-do, Teachers need to develop a realistic understanding of their own strengths and weaknesses as
instructors and as individuals, selecting approaches and techniques that play to their strengths. They must
‘also know how far they can’go in interpersonal relations and how they best relate to others, allowing.
themselves time to get to know their students’ individual ways of reacting. Both teachers and students,
have to be willing to take risks and laugh together when things go wrong. Together they must exorcise the
fea of failure (which is as real for teachers as for students.
In the past, much language learning was restricted to an elite "academic stream," who had demonstrated
their ability to cope with abstract logico-deductive thinking and verbal learning of the type required in
school settings, for instance, for the study of grammar, the application of grammar rules in composition
exercises, and the translation of literary texts. These students were considered to have "a high 1Q" as
‘measured by a distinetly verbal test. Of recent years, Howard Gardner has drawn our attention to the
existence of "multiple intelligences" [15] verbal, mathematical-logical, spatial, kinesthetic, musical,interpersonal, and intrapersonal, Now that emphasis is on language learning for all students, we need to
consider ways of enabling students who are strong in any of these areas to apply their particular kinds of
intelligence in language learning tasks, and to see that our assessment procedures provide them with
‘opportunities to demonstrate their progress in the use of the language through other means than written
tests (see also Principle 8).
For the interaction that leads to communication via language (much meaning is, after all, communicated
without a common language), both teachers and students need to work toward a non-threatening
‘atmosphere of cooperative learning. In discussions on cooperative learning, the term is often
unnecessarily restricted to small-group learning. Many students learn well in small groups, others do not.
‘There is room forall kinds of learning situations: large group, small group, pair work, or individual study.
Cooperative learning implies full participation of students in planning and in making effective choie
‘The essence of cooperative learning is in the attitude: it requires acceptance of each other's differences
and a willingness to share and to facilitate each other's learning in whichever ways are most appropriate
Teachers should be aware that students from certain cultures may be accustomed only to a teacher
directed competitive mode of education and that these students will need explanation of this new
approach and an initial period of familiarization before they can be fully and willingly assimilated into a
‘cooperative learning situation
A non-threatening atmosphere does not mean that teachers and students must be effervescently cheerful
and amusing at all times. Some teachers, as well as some students, are reserved and take time to unbend
with strangers. We like, respect, and trust people of very varied personalities, and each has a contribution
to make in a cooperative atmosphere. Not ll students nor all teachers wish to interact with each other at a
very deep level, and this must be respected. Where this isthe case, we involve our students in surface
activities _ games, simulations, dramatizations, informative activities through which they communicate.
For interaction at a deep personal level, they will find their own partners and arrange their own activities.
Respect for the privacy of the individual to interact as he or she feels the need or desire is another aspect.
‘of cooperative learning. "In cooperative learning, all can succeed because each has something unique 10
contribute to the enterprise, and because success is not an external standard constructed to exclude, but
the individual perception ofthe attainment ofa self-selected goal."[16]
Principle S: Basic to use of language are language knowledge and language control
Basic to use ofa language is a mental representation of how that language works. We need @ certain basis.
of systematic knowledge in order to be able to operate in the language, no matter how minimally. We
cannot lear everything we wish to express in a language one thing at atime; there isan infinite number
of potential sentences we may wish to utter, yet cach has a structural framework that can be used to
convey many other messages. The human mind systematizes and organizes material to make it
‘manageable, and this systematization is basic to our mental representation of the language. We cannot
operate in a language without such a mental representation because comprehensible language use at any
level is rule-governed; in other words, to understand and be understood we cannot use elements of the
new language haphazardly. We need a succine, internalized structural model as a plan to direct our
tactics (in this instance, expression of personal meaning).
All languages are organized at several levels (phonological, syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic, and these
various subsystems interact within the mental representation. Grammatical structure and vocabulary,
which are interelated in their functioning, provide the tools for expressing semantic and pragmatic
meaning. As Halliday expresses it: "Reality consists of ‘goings-on’: of doing, happening, feeling, being.
‘These goings-on are sorted out in the semantic system of the language, and expressed through the
grammar ofthe clause."[17] Once we have internalized the fundamentals of this organization for our new
Tanguage (linguists are working continually at systematizing the details and even native speakers are still
learning its potential), we are liberated to express a multiplicity of meanings.
‘A ollet dancer leams basic steps and then can fly. Scientists learn basic principles and can then buil
rnew knowledge: experimenting, applying, thinking creatively. Scientists may not fully understand the
principles (research is always continuing), and their findings may even cast doubt on some of these
principles or even cause them to restructure their concept of the basic framework, but the basic
framework is there to be reinterpreted. Linguistic scientists continue to research linguistic structure. They
‘may propose new models or variations of existing models to explain what is there, but they cannotrestructure the object of theit study: they can only reinterpret the operation of the basic framework or
bone structure of the language.
Is the problem for language learning an inadequate or incomplete description of the linguistic structure of
the language? People have learned languages for millennia while awaiting discovery and description of
the ultimate adequate model of what they are learning, just as people have grown erops and lit fires,
‘without a complete understanding of the processes underlying these phenomena. What language learners.
reed isa functional mental model of the linguistic structure ofa particular language that works for them
in producing ata basic level speech that communicates their meanings}; their present needs obviate their
‘waiting for final decisions by linguistic researchers on the structural mode! that will best deseribe the
inner workings of the basic framework. Chomsky speaks of language behavior as being governed by an
innate knowledge of a system of rules of universal grammar, with values of parameters set according to
‘the language within which one is operating; this systematic lramework consists of a core or basic skeleton,
‘on which the language is constructed and a periphery of marked exceptions that are added to the core on.
the basis of specitic experience [18]. This is one description of a mental representation; there are others.
‘The real problem for the language learner isthe setting of the values of the parameters for the mental
representation of the new language. How this can be achieved most effectively and economically is a
subject for research for applied linguists _ research to which classroom teachers, who are observing.
students daily can contribute valuable insights
We cannot use a language without some sort of mental representation of the basic framework or
‘mechanism, no matter how personal and idiosyncratic; this we shall eall Anowledge of language. Learners.
‘ass through a succession of interim grammars at various stages in the learning process, as they work to
‘construct a functional mode, or establish values of parameters for the new language, in the Chomskyan
sense, Teachers can help students aequite an understanding of this basic mechanism that is sufficient to
‘enable them to use it at their particular stage of development, and to further refine this understanding as,
they progress. Without expert help, students will acquire some form of mental representation, often,
incorporating elements of the mental representation oftheir frst or another language; with help they will
‘acquire more rapidly one that is closer to the native model, Years of experience with learners of many
languages in the federal government's language institutes, which comprise the Interagency Language
Roundlable, have demonstrated that, when language learners try to express their meanings freely without
1 firm structural framework, "incorrect communication strategies .. fossilize prematurely,” and "their
subsequent modification or ultimate correction is rendered difficult to the point of impossibility,
‘respective of the native talent or high motivation thatthe individual may originally have brought to the
task"[19] Yet precision of construction of meaningful phrases is important for fluent expression of
‘meanings that will be understood by native speakers.
Swudents acquire this precision of expression through performing rules, not through memorizing or
discussing them. Knowledge of the systematic interelationships that constitute the structure of the
language is acquired actively through use in communicative context. In this way it becomes part of the
learners mental equipment (it becomes internalized) and ean be called upon readily, even if more and
more without conscious focus, o express personal meaning or to comprehend and recreate the meanings
‘others are tying to convey. Itean also be re-examined consciously, should there be a need to reinterpret
its potential. As William James observed: "Experience is never yours merely as it comes to you, facts a
ever mere data, they are data to which you respond , your experience is constantly transformed by your
eeds."[20)
Sharwood Smith expresses succinctly this necessity for performing rules when he says: "Whatever the
view of the underlying processes in second language learning .. itis quite clear and uncontroversial to
say that most spontaneous performance is attained by dint of practice. In the course of actually
‘performing in the target language, the learner gains the necessary control over its structures such that he
‘or she can use them quickly without reflection.” [21] Experimentation in Sweden has demonstrated that
this performance practice is most effective when it involves student-initiated utterances,{22] which
constitute student response to the data in James's sense and gradually transform the student's mental
representation.
Performing rules, then, provides the natural bridge to using these rules in creating personal messages,
which we shal call control of language. Language control necessarily implies the ability to understand
‘messages and their full implications inthe context, social and cultural, interpreting tone of voice, stress,imonation, and kinesics, as well as actual words and structures. In expression, it implies more than
syntactic uccuracy; it requires also syntactic appropriateness. in contexts of use and in culturally
determined relationships. Once some degree of language control has been attained, language is used "as a
‘medium which will engage the thought, perception, and imagination of the learner." [23]
Principle 6: Development of language control proceeds through creativity, which is nurtured by
Interactive, participatory activites.
‘The ultimate goal for our students is to be able to use the language they are learning for their own
purposes, to express their own meanings, that is, (0 create their own formulations to express their
ientions. That use of language is ereative, not imitative, has been emphasized by language teaching
theorists, linguists, and psycholingust for years, yet many language teachers continue to teach as though
i repetition, and reconstruction or transformation of other people's meanings in exercises were
the be-all and end-all of language learning. In 1966, Chomsky forcefully drew to the attention of language
teachers the fact that “ordinary linguistic behavior characteistcally involves innovation, formation of
new sentences and new patterns"[24] This he succinctly described as "the creative aspect of normal
language use,"{25] and this ereativity applies as much to listening and reading as to speaking and writing,
a psychologists have long pointed out. Blumenthal cites Wundt, for instance, as observing, in 1912, that
"the mind ofthe hearer is just as active in transforming and creating as the mind ofthe speaker."[26]
‘Creating new utterances in a language that one only partially controls is not easy. Because 50 much
cognitive activity is involved, language learners frequently suffer from cognitive overload: they pause and
hesitate (both phenomena of natural native speech); they misuse elements of the new language when they
fare well aware of the accepted forms (even in the native language, we sometimes slip up when
‘concentrating on our message); they sef-corect or let tbe, depending onthe situation and the amount of|
time available; conversations of genuine concern have a tendency’ to veer off in different direction
‘depending. on the comprehension and involvement of the interlocutor whose responses thus become
unpredictable, and this can be disconcerting. Consequently, language leamers frequently experience
embarrassment or fel humilisted by theie poor showing and may give up their attempts to formulate
uterances because the effort demands too mach of them,
Yet learners cannot acquire facility in expressing their own meanings in a new language without much
experience in doing just that. This type of experience is acquired in interactive situations that stimulate
the students’ motivation to communicate27] For this motivation to be strengthened and maintained,
interactive situations need to be so structured thatthe potential for ego-threat and frustration is low (see
also Principle 4). Through interactive situations that stimulate the desire to communicate, students
experience the use of the new language as an important social skill, and suceess in conveying meanings
and evoking a response encourages them lo seek more success.
How does one promote interaction? One encourages participatory activites that engage the students
attention, so that they become involved and frequently exhilarated as they use the language. We use the
word "encourage" because many of these activites will be student-iniiated. When they ate teacher-
Initiated, they should be student-sustained and developed. Purposeful and task-oriented, such activities are
Frequently condueted through peer-with-peer or small group discussion and elaboration. Some teachers
are hesitant to encourage such activities because the students will inevitably make mistakes, and they are
afraid that these may become ingrained or fossilized. We need to see these errors as resulting from
‘genuine attempis to express themselves through the language and, therefore, as opportunities for further
Teaming, The experience students gain in creating utterances that carry personal meanings and the
confidence this engenders are vital to future autonomous language use. When students have been worked
into a cooperative learning group (see Principle 4), they learn from their peers and help each other,
‘unobirusive teacher assistance as they Feel the need For it
Activities: may be amusing or serious. Games, competitions, skits, simolations, and dramatizations
‘encourage imagination and spontaneous communication, problem-solving, information-gap, and
information-getting activities invite persistence and probing as the students become intellectually
involved in finding solutions. As they cooperate on a tsk, they are stimulated 10 use the language with
each other, especialy if this is continually set before them as a goal. Interactive activites may be related
to content being studied in the language, whether literary, philosophical, sciemitie, commercial, or
sociological: Students may work in groups to gather information, set up experiments, or developalternative enovements for literary works in order to further understand the authors intent; they may wse
the ease study method for investigating legal or economic aspects ofthe society that uses the language
[28K they may prepare meals according to the cuisine of a country where the language is spoken or
engage in appropriate social activities of the culture; they may develop plays, radio, or television
programs, soap operas, oF videos, or engage in argument on the Internet; they may write poems that they
Giscuss with each other oF prepare entertainments for students in other clases, for parents, or for the
community. Above all these interactive activities should be purposeful, no just timesfilers, involving a
task that is clearly defined to channel the students) language use and lead to the satisfaction of
achievement. In these ways students lear by dong
In language use, "true creativity means free action within the framework of a system of rules,” as
‘Chomsky has phrased it.29] Once one has a functional mental representation of the system of rules of the
Janguage one can break rules, using the language in unorthodox ways to make one's meaning more vivid
and expressive, using the language in all its richness and flexibility, and this demonstrates language
control
Principle 7: Every possible medium and modality is used to aid learning
In 1966, Carroll made the point that "the more numerous kinds of association that are made to an item,
the better are learning and retention."[30] In communicative interaction, language learners need to draw
(on all kinds of unpredictable items to express their meaning _ items they learned the previous day, even
items they learned on the fist day they had contact with the language. What they have learned of the
language must be firmly established in their memory networks with many associative triggers, so tha it
becomes readily available, in some cases for recognition in speech or writing and in others for retrieval
for active use [31]
Context isan important factor in reall, as well as being guide to possible and appropriate meanings;
context, it must be remembered, may be linguistic or norlinguistes it may be aural, visual, kines,
Sifacor, of tail; it may be situational or emotional (often perceived as relevant only by individuals
themselves) Language teaching or leaning that resets tse in the main to presentation and practice
‘one modality (ets the visual ina traditional grammarrasltion approach) does not prepare the lamer
forthe fll aray of contexts in which items may recur. For these reason, interactive laring needs to
daw on every ype of experience 0 reinforce what is being learned: physical response, aural input
spoken output, reading materials, written expression, word puzzles, the act of drawing what is meant, the
tanipulation of objects (inthe Pesalzzian tradition), interpretation of pictures, acting ut of scenes,
Imusic, song, dane, purposeful tasks (eg making things, preparing and cating them), gestures, facial
expressions, communicative interiudes, and so on, Gattego emphasizes the importance of breathing and
Kinesies{22] Locano the suggestive impact of pantngs an musi [33] Ashe the kinsic associations of
physical movement{34], Teel the affective{35] and Curran calls foe the involvement ofthe “whole
person, "36)
|At the present time, it is much more possible than in the past for the learner to have a well-rounded
‘experience of the language: to see, hear, and ive it in all kinds of ways. Teachers are no longer limited to
the book, the chalkboard, their own voeal apparatus, an occasional picture or chart, and a few objects to
be handled to bring a sense of reality and a broader context tothe elements of the language and how they
combine to create meanings. First eame the gramophone record, then radio, film, television, magnetic,
tape (on reel and then on cassette), videocassettes, the computer with possibilities for videodise, CD-
ROM, and the Intemet, as well as the camcorder for recording and evaluating the students’ own
performance in and out of class, From ready availability of foreign-language newspapers, magazines, and.
films, we have moved to audio and visual material beamed by satelite, and the possibility of
downloading a multiplicity of culturally informative materials from around the world via computer and
modem. Students can communicate with speakers of the language any time of the day of night through
their own computers via e-mail and chat rooms. Student exchange programs have proliferated, and most
schools, even in isolated situations, now have some contact with a visitng native speaker of the language.
Each new medium has presented additional opportunities for teachers to provide multiple associations
‘with language as used by native speakers and insights into their ways of thinking and reacting, as well as
‘opportunities for students to view and hear themselves as they attempt to use the language in authentic,
sways.In 1921 Palmer, that most enduring of methodologists, advocated that "we select judiciously and without
prejudice al that is most likely to help us in our work;* he called this "the multipie line of approach."{37]
[Now is the time for teachers to investigate, experiment, and use judiciously the many possibilities for
increasing language impact for the learner and opportunites for interaction, in order to increase
motivation to communicate among their students. The sparsely distributed master teachers of less
‘commonly taught languages can extend their teaching to many more students via television, satellite, and
‘computer networks in distance learning, often supplemented by individual telephone conversations with
the teacher. Auto-didacts and students far from their teachers now have access to many of the same
advantages for language contact as those in more formal situations, and students oftheir own initiative
‘can expand their contacts with the language, without waiting for structured assistance.
Despite these formerly undreamed of opportunities for contact with the language, all is not sunshine and
Tight in language-learning land. We return to Palmer's phrase "select judiciously." Much that is available
‘ostensibly to “help us in our work" does not promote or encourage that interaction that leads to
communication through language. Much attention, time, and energy need to be devoted to what passes
‘over the airwaves or is stored on disc, film. or cassette. "Garbage in, garbage out” is stil as tue as it ever
vwas, and time is @ precious commodity. Material that is not integrated in some way into the students
progressive learning experience (material that is inaccessible, for instance, because of level of difficulty)
can be suffocating and discouraging. Teachers need to reflect very carefully on how to use, or help
students to use, this almost mesmerizing variety of materials, o as to insure that i increases opportu
for learning and improves quality of learning. For us all, the watchword is cavete ("Y'all watch out now").
Six areas need careful consideration if we are to draw the most benefit for language learners from the
present rapid development of resources, For them, as for us, open access to chaos can be more confusing
than consolidating,
I. In what ways do the programs available for use with the new technologies fit in withthe aims, content,
and approaches ofthe courses we feel our students need in light ofthe goals they have set themselves?
22, What can technology-based courseware accomplish as an aid to learning that cannot be achieved at
lower cost, monetarily and in time and energy, through other means? (In other words, how much is
‘enough to enhance learning?)
3, How can we ensure that teachers wholeheartedly and advisedly cooperate in incorporating the latest
technological resources into the language program, facilitating individual student access to them? (Are we
providing sufficient orientation, training, and retraining to build up their eonfidence and expertise?)
4, Do we have research evidence that incorporation of the latest technological adjuncts leads to more
efficient and effective language learning and use, and are we making the adjustments indicated by what
has been learned to date?
‘5. How do we adjust our course design, materials, and teaching so as to incorporate and supplement most
‘usefully what the student has access to outside of the classroom? (See also Principle 10.)
6. What steps must we take to ensure that teachers who devote much time, energy, and
expertise to developing effective materials using new media are suitably recognized and
compensated for these efforts?
Principle 8: Testing is an aid to learning
“Testing has so often been punitive. Students become very nervous about tests, which as offen as not seek
to discover what the students do not know or cannot immediately recall, rather than providing them with
‘an opportunity to demonstrate tothe examiners and themselves what they ean do with the language. Many
test- writers, unfortunately, concentrate on minutiae of language, looking for litle sips or familiarity with
lesser known grammatical usages rather then the broader aspects of comprehensible and acceptable
language use. (Is this why teachers need answer keys to help them correct tests?) We must work to reduce
in every possible way the debilitating level of anxiety and apprehension from which many students suffer
in testing situations1. Rather than being a ranking, exclusionary procedure, tests should concentrate on enabling all students
to demonstrate what they can do with whatever level of language they possess. In this way, the testis a
‘Buide to the students, as well as the teacher, as to what they have assimilated sufficiently for it to be
usable for real communicative purposes, in speech or writing{38] The test then becomes an aid to
learning, not an intentionally tricky hurdle
Computer-adaptive testing (CAT) is useful in this regard; the computer is programmed to seek out,
through the choice of items presented, the individual student's performance level and to verify ths level
through further testing, terminating the test when this has been determined, so that students are not
subjected to the frustrations of a multiplicity of items beyond their knowledge and competence. The
verification check, providing as it does repeated testing round about a certain level, also reduces the
Possibility of measurement error that can creep in with a more hit-or-miss approach,
2. The test itself should be a learning experience that is pat of the ongoing course. Ifthe testis to act as @
‘guide t0 the student as well as the teacher, it cannot be final. The student goes on to relearn and
consofidate what has been found to be lacking or misunderstood, and then has the opportunity to retest
{not "be retested,” since the decision is voluntary) to see how the learning is progressing {39] In brief, the
test stimulates further learning. This approach to testing reduces the emotional and stressful element that
discriminates against students of certain temperaments when faced with the once-for-all, future-
‘determining character of much present-day testing,
3. cannot be overemphasized thatthe test should reflect the objectives of the course, which, as we have
seen in the discussion of Principle 2, should reflect the objectives of the student. For too long we have
taught and students have learned one thing, and the test has concentrated on another (for instance, the
course may be orally oriented, while the testis entirely written). This is often because we have relied on a
kind of test that was easy to prepare and easy to correct, thus putting large groups through the same
‘wringer for our own convenience. When ths is not the case, the problem is frequently because the form
ofthe testis already well known to teacher and students, and the teacher "teaches to the te," so that the
students will perform well on the test whatever their linguistic strengths or weaknesses, We thus put
expedience before educational objectives, and the test becomes the be-all and end-all of the course in the
students! minds, and even for some of the teachers. This washback effect of the form of the test on the
way the course is taught and the way students choose to learn cannot be ignored. Much thought is
Fequited to design a test appropriate for a particular course that will encourage effectual learning
behaviour, while enabling students to demonstrate their control of what they have been learning. The
‘construction of tests isa process that requires not just time and energy but much reflection,
4, The test should be interesting. Students should enjoy taking the test. If thought is given to creating a
test that involves students in working out interesting problems, comprehending and reacting to
stimulating ideas, expressing their own ideas, or atleast producing some form of original response, if
students are asked to take the initiative in some way that enables them 10 demonstrate how well they can
imeract in the language (in speech or writing), then the test will be motivational and a means of growth
for the students. We must be wary of ways of group testing that save time, but force us back into too
‘much diserete-point testing, which encourages diserete-point teaching,
5. Tests should not be rigidly timed. The old picture of the exam proctor forcing examinees to stop in the
‘middle of a sentence because “time is up" should be obsolete as an absurdity. In a student-centered
program we are aware of individual differences among students, and we recognize that some students.
think and write more deliberately than others; some are perfectioists; some rush at a task too
precipitaely and need time afterwards to edit and rethink parts of their work; some Finish early; some
‘eed Tittle longer to prooftead their final effort. In many tests, a few more minutes to demonstrate what
the student knows can make all the difference between success and failure . We test for success,
6. We should avoid overtesting. Continual testing not only raises the anxiety level for students, it also
reaches point of diminishing returns. A test that reveals only what one already knows about the students,
isa superfluous test and a waste of valuable time that could be used more profitably for further interactive
activity. Tests should be administered sparingly at intervals throughout the course when they can yield
information on progress that is useful to both student and teacher.7. An important question for many instructors is whether student-centered testing ean be conducted for
big groups (across sections in large institutions, across a number af schools in a local area, oF forall
students of a certain level in national examinations). A more appropriate question would be: Is there
‘genuine educational value in wide-scale impersonal testing, in which, as we well know, a certain number
‘of students always fll through the eracks, often through no fault of their own? The attainment of local of
national standards can be ascertained, iso desired, by more personalized alternative forms of assessment
(portfolios, for instance, oral interviews, or certified dossiers of personal production, which now may be
in the form of videos, not just as written documentation). Fill-in-the blank and multiple-choice tess,
although sometimes useful for quizzes of small segments of class work, do not tap performance levels in
real language use. We need the development of more imaginative, humane tests of what one reelly does
with language[40}, just as art and music require different types of tests from fact-based content courses.
We must train teachers well in testing theory and techniques so that testing ean be conducted at the
interpersonal, rather than the impersonal level.
Principle 9: Language Learning is penetrating another culture; students learn to operate
‘harmoniously within it or in contact with it
Language and the cultural values, reactions, and expectations of speakers of that language are subtly
‘melded, Gattegno brings this out when he says that “only when one is really imbued with the literature oF
soaked in the environment ofthe people using the language can one express oneself in speech of writing
as a native would, It is the spirit of a language that has to get hold of one's mind."[41] Not even
consciously realized by the culture-bearers themselves, these values, expectations, and presuppositions
(what Nostrand has called "the culture’s ‘ground of meaning")[42] frequently pass unperceived by the
Teamers of the language, who bumble and fumble their way through relations and contacts with native
speakers, quite unaware of their cultural faux pas and unintentional offensiveness. Plunged into the
culture, they suffer from depressing shock and stress and confidence-destroying frustrations that affect
their ability to interact harmoniously with those with whom they come in contact. Not infrequently they
end up loving the language, but hating its users
Unfortunately being fluent in the language is not enough. As Cortese expresses it: "If the socal compact
requires the observation of pretty, polite techniques for the avoidance of conflict (these are Trequently
taught to the leamer), "itis also, at a deeper level, built on negotiation of and respect for individual values
and traits. It isto this level that a formative language learning process must reach, both ia the sense of
helping the individual to shape his [or her] own values and in the sense of comprehending different value
Crientations:" this, she says, distinguishes "production performance” from the mere "imitation of
politeness norms."[43]
We develop our students’ ability to interact intially with those who are linguistically and culturally
different by teaching social amenities that oil wheels and open doors of acceptance (Cortese's pretty
politenesses), but these merely provide opportunities to advance further in understanding. A$ we proceed,
‘we need to understand culturally diverse interaction styles,{44] and, in many cases, adopt these ourselves,
if we are not to find our progress arrested by misunderstandings. We need to learn difTerent pragmatic
routines ways of opening and closing conversations, taking turns, and so on. As we come into closer
contact with the other culture through these outer doors, we begin to recognize systematic pattems of
beliefs and behavior, soon finding that what may appear to be exotic, discrete acts or ways of expressing,
‘oneself are in fact manifestations of societal subsystems (e.g., maintaining a hierarchy of respect oF
rejection of discriminatory distinctions; dislike of vanity, bombast, or servility; deep-seated needs for
‘or a tendency to take refuge in group conformity).
‘These linguistic and pragmatic reactions, even in the form of verbal formulae, cannot be learned
piecemeal; they need to be acquired in culturally probable situations, When actually living and working,
‘ith native speakers is nota possibility, they may be observed in films, plays, novels, soap operas, or
radio talk shows, as wel as in newspapers or magazines. The teacher, being more experienced, acts as
guide to interpreiation, however, since students wil tend to interpret this raw material. fromthe point of|
View of their own culture. Practice in interacting with people of different cultural viewpoints may be
gained also through acting. out problem situations within the culture, as in Di Pieto's interactive
Seenarios[45] Students work out possible, culturally appropriate solutions as they afe simulating
interaction within the culture, facing up to the unpredictable and making decisions as native speakers
right do. Later discussion brings out areas of cultural understanding and misunderstanding that surfaced‘during the interaction, Here again explanations and advice from a person with intimate acquaintance with
the culture is essential to avoid misinterpretations based on the students! own culturally determined
viewpoint
Seeking to understand from her own experience "ease of interaction” in new social and cultural situations,
Robinson draws four eonclusions.{46) that help us to understand our pedagogical task. She found that
emphasis on cultural differences divides, whereas commonalities bring people together (in other words,
wwe combat stereotypes more effectively by bringing out cultural similarities than differences); that
understanding, in the sense of getting over barriers to communication, is not just derived from the ability
to anticipate culturally different events, but comes through all modes of perception _ physiolozical,
‘emotional, kinesthetic, tactile, as well as cognitive _ that is, the experience of the culture in all its richness
‘must be integrated with temps to describe and explain, something that is more possible in this age of
interactive multimedia and ease of travel by people of both cultures (see also Principle 7). She also
‘emphasizes the fact that new cultural experiences are not ‘add-ons, rather they are interpreted through and.
integrated with the learner's previous experience (the students are thus enriched in their expetience of the
‘world and their viewpoint is changed); and, finally, genuine intercultural understanding takes time. As
Kramsch wams us; "The difficulty of understanding cultural codes stems from the difficulty of viewing
the world from another perspective, not of grasping another lexical or grammatical code"[47J; this is &
‘process of simmering, not of rapid boiling.
“Through our attempts to understand the cultural-inguistic behavior of others, we come to understand our
‘own value systems and our own cultue-laden language use. As a resull, we emerge enriched, as we
broaden our experience of human ways of thinking and behaving; we develop a tolerance for difference,
‘even within apparent similarity; and we learn to interact harmoniously and comfortably with others from
different backgrounds, within our own and other societies, without confusion of our own sense of
identity,
Such a result does not come of itself it requires hard work, hard thinking, patience, and persistence on the
part of both teacher and learner.
Principle 10: The real world extends beyond the classroom walls; language learning takes place in and
out of the classroom
“Language is @ natural function of human association,” according to Dewey.[48] The more opportunities
‘we have for human association with speakers of our new language, the more potential for grovth in
control of language for normal uses and spontaneous expression. In second language and bilingual
uations, teachers with interactive aims have many possibilities available for strengthening language
learning outside ofthe classroom through facilitating contacts between second-language lesmers and the
hative-speaker community surrounding them. They arrange for host families who invite students from
‘other countries to share in holiday and family festivities. They set up structured interview assignments,
\hieh help their students overcome their difidence and nervousness as they talk with native speakers in a
purposeful way. They send their students out to discuss prices and quality of goods in shops of to use the
telephone to enquire about a local sports club or the availability of videocassettes for rental, They take
them to local restaurants, to the bank or the post office. They request reports on current films, television
shows, or radio broadcasts, ranging from commercials or newshours to talk shows, siteoms, or soap
‘operas, They encourage students to give talks to local service clubs or schools. This kind of immersion in
the "real world” has generally been considered dificult to arrange for foreign -language learners, who
hhave remained inside their classrooms behind closed doors. This need not be the situation. More and
‘more, as the world opens up through travel, student exchanges, the World Wide Web, and shared projects,
‘across cultures, the advantages second-language leamers enjoy are being taken more seriously as options
for all language learners.
In most communities, a litle searching will lead to the discovery of some native speakers in the environs:
expatriates, spouses, exchange students, visiting business executives, and experts of all kinds, often with
their families, or newly arrived immigrants. Where there has been long established immigration, another
source of native speakers is the retirement community or the senior citizens eenter. Sometimes older
speakers of the language are isolated and lonely and are reverting to monolingualism. The "Adopt a
Grannie" idea, which has proved so successful in social work, might be adopted here, as well as the
fostering of phone friendships with elderiy speakers of the language, many of whom are housebound.‘Sometimes it is possible for students to help monolingual speakers of the language with filling in forms or
information on taxes and the availability of services; at other times, students collect data on their early
lives in their native lan.
Kipp{49] who worked in German classes in schools in Victoria, Australia, reports that motivation to
speak the language being leamed was dampened among students by the lack of a "sizeable native
speaking peer group either inside or outside the school envionment.” Where there was a local community
of German speakers, the students, she found, enjoyed any contacts that were readily available to them, but
they did not engage in active searching for further language speech partners. This pinpoint the need for
teacher leadership in assigning projects that will be integrated into elasswork, so that students enjoy a
sense of achievement afterall their effort. Students whose motivation to seek out contacts is stimulated by
the incentive of a language-related assignment or a group project will often ferret out further opportunities
to use the language that the teacher did not dream were available. The project, whether to resea
early experiences in this country of an elderly immigrant or his or her memories of "old country’
and customs, should receive the recognition of being presented to the class, or reported in the school oF
Tocal newspaper; alternatively, it may form part of @ group writing project on unusual features ofthe local
‘community for eventual dissemination within and beyond the School, even perhaps via a local-access
cable channel
‘Where there are no such resources, the community is contacted from a distance _ through pen-pals, tape
pals, or email; through classrooms twinned by computer and modem, sister city projects, collaboration
with @ commercial campaign a the local mall ("France” or "Italy in Our-Town"), where language students
enliven the proceedings by singing songs in the language or performing dances of the culture. Weekend
camps can be organized where teachers from different schools become the ‘native speakers! for the
duration. There are endless opportunities now for contact with other languages and cultures through
satellite broadcasts and videos. We must seize every existing or imaginable opportunity for taking the
language and its learners out of the classroom, in actuality or through viearious experience.
Once our students see advantages and experience satisfactions in undertaking these kinds of projects, they
Will think of others oftheir own, Like barbecues, students needa litle "starter".
Each of these principles expresses a philosophical or psychological position or attitude. We each teach
according to firmly held attitudes of this kind. Our own may not be clear to our students or even 0
‘ourselves; we may not have paused to reflect on them sufficiently, but, if challenged or confronted with
‘ther views, we respond in a way that reveals "where we are coming from.” By clarifying our atitudes,
and convietions in our own minds, we are strengthened to “select judiciously,” as Palmer puts it{50)
applying what we find to be useful, not for alltime but for tis time. Keeping the needs of our present
Tanguage learners in the forefront of our thinking, we experiment and innovate purposefully in this
particular context. We are in charge and we cede this role to no other. This way lies true professionalism
“with iberation from external pressures and empowerment to develop and improve our Workin the way
‘We judge to be best for our students.
Nores,
1 Seneca id Lem V, vi
2..W, von Humboldt, "Uber di Verachiedenot des Menschen Spacbaues (Bet, 1836), cited by N. Chom in Aspect of
the Theory of Sta (Cambie, MA: MT Pr, 1965), pI.
3A. Bronson Alco, Geral Maxims, nthe Alco Journal, 1826.27, Maxim XXXIV. This was aio the apreach of Maria
Monisson
4.€.Gategno, Teaching Fareign Languages Schools: he Siem May, 2A (New York Edvcational Solutions, 1972), p.31-
2
5.R.Oxfoed, Language Learning Sees: What Every Teacher Should Know (New York: Newbury House/Hape and Row,
190),
6 This sujet is consider in rer det n“Mativating trough Clseoom Techniques," in W. M. Rivets, Speaking a Mary
Tongue: Essay n Foreign Language Teaching, 3, (Cambedge: Cambridge Unversity Pres, 1983), pp 08-119.116. E Snow and M. Hocfage-Hohle, “The Crit Period for Language Aequstn: Evidence fom Second Language Leming”
(Chad Development 19 (1978) 1111-1138.
RJ. Ligh, Explains with Suen ond Facoly abou Teaching, Learning ond Sen Lif The Harvard sessment
Seminars Second Report (Cambie, MA’ Harvacd Uniorsity Graduate Schoo of Education ad the Kenedy School of
(Goverent, 1952),
©. Foc urer posses for course ventana contents, se chaps. 1 and2 of W.M. Rives, e, Teaching Zangwages in
College: Curtewm and Content (Linclnod, I: National Textbook Co, 1992).
10.0. esperen How to Teach a Freign Language (London: George Alen and Unsn, 1961, p. 1-18. Fist publish in 1908,
11, See also 1. Allusght, "The Imporance of teraction in Clsroom Language Leming” Applied Lingus 5 (1984156
12.6. Caran, Comseling-Learning in Second Lamgages (Ape Riser, I: Apple River Pres, 1976)
13.E K Hort and Dolly Young, es Langage Anse: From Theory and Research to Classroom Implications (Englewood
Chi, NJ: Prentice Hal, 1991).
14 A. Cutan, Comsling-Learning: A Whole Person Model for Education (Apple Rivec IL: Apple River Pres, 1972) p. 72
15 Howard Gane, Frames of Mind: The Theory of Maple Inelgeces (New York: Basic Books, 193), Male
Imtigences: The Theory Proctce (Nes ot, Basic Boas 193), and Creating Mind: An Antony of Crea sen Brough
Ihe Lives of Freud Eine, casa, Srnusty,Elit Graham. and Gandhi New Yok: Basie Books, 1993).
16. "nivale nstrstion and Cooperasive Lesnig: Some Theoretical Consideration," in WM, Rivers, Comming
Nawraly na Second Language Tory an Practice Language Teaching (Cambie: Cambriage Univer Press, 1983p.
17. M.A.K, Halli, An broducton fo Functional Grammar (London: Bava Arnold, 1985) p. 10
18.N. Chomsky, Knowledge of Language: snare, origi and ave (New Vork: Praca 1986), pp. 147-51. Chomsy's views re
Aiscussed mconoerbl deta a. Botha, Challongng Chom: Te Generate Garden Game (Oxf: Bail Blackwell,
1989)
19. V. Higgs and R. Clifford, “The Push Toward Communication" in. V: Higgs, ed, Caricuim, Compete, and the
Foreign Language Teacher Skokie IL: Nationa Testbook Co, 1982), p74, tli in he origina.
20, W. James, Tats 0 Teachers, quoted nH. Ruge. Foundations for American Edncation (Yonkers-on-Hudson, New York: Word
‘Boa Co, 1947), p91 ales ine gia
21M, Stanwood Smith ‘Cnseiousness-sing and he Second Language Learnt,” Applied Linge 2 (1981) 159-6
22 For anexperinentl validation of this viewpoint, see E Exes, Poregn Language Teaching fam te Point of View of Certain
‘tude sees Goteborg Stes Edisto Stones 59 (Catcbrg. Acta Universitas Gthoburgensis, 1986)
23.A.A Leonie, Pachology and he Langue Learning Process (Oxford: Pergamon, 1981), 68
24, Chonsy, "Linguistic Thor in RG Mead. Jee. Lange Teaching: Broader Contests (Milebury, VT: Norhest
Confrence on te Teaching of Foreign Languages, 1965}, p 88
25N. Chomsky, Toes in the Theory of Generative Grammar (The Hague: Mouton, 1966) p. 1.
26, A.M. Blumenthal Language and Peychoogy (New York: Wik, 1970) p. 37, ina discussion ofthe wok of Wien Ward,
27 For further discussion ofintracin as an essential prerequisite for communication through langue, ee W.M. Rives,
“Intaction a the Key to Conmumiation” in M.A. Hal, J Gibbons, and H. Nichols, fs, Learning, Keepmg ard sing
Language Selecred Papers rom the ighh World Congress of dppied Linguistics, ol (Aster! Piadeiphi: John
Benjani, 190), pp. 7-1728, Dow, Anne R, and Joseph Ryan, "Preparing Stents for Profesional nterston*ineractve Language Teaching. Fl
‘Wilen M. Rives. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1987" 194-210 Many eer suggestion fr party incactne
sctvtis may be ound nti book.
29.N. Chomsky, Language and Poles, .P. Oto (Tern: Blick Rose Book, 1988)
30 J.B Carol “The Contrbutions of Psychological Theory and Faction Research othe Teaching of Foreign Languages."
‘8 Valdinan, ed, Trends i Lamznge Teaching (New York MeGraw-Hl, 1956p 10S
31, The psychologic! mechanisms behind memory processes are disused in W. M, Rivers, "Recognition, Retention, Reval:
‘Tae Thee R's of Vocabulary Us," in P Hashmpour, R. Maldanad, and M, van Naensen cs Studs in Langurge Learning
«and Spanish Lingus In Hovee of Tac D.Terl (New York: Meinl, 1993), pp. 24657
32, Gategno (1972) Gatego considers breathing apd kines to be of great importance, a wll she conscious application ofthe
insect,
33.6 Lozanovs Supgstopacdi as discussed in Ostrander and L.Schioedet,Pychic Discoveries Behind the Iron Curtain
(Englewood Cis, NJ: Price Hall, 1970,
34.5. Asher "The Leaming Strategy ofthe Total Physical Response: A Review." Moder Language Journal $0 (196) 79-84
38.7. Tee"The Natural Approach o Language Teaching: An Update Hashemipor etal es (1995, p. 2. Repitsd
tom Modern Language Journal 65 (1982) 121592
36 Cuan (1966),
27.416. Pals, Me Principles of Longuoge-Sauy (London: Harrap, 1921) Repined by Oxford University Press in 1964. The
‘quutos ae fom the OUP repented eon p14
238, Fora more deed discussion of profcieny-vintd testing see W.M. Rivers, Teaching French: A Practical Ge chap.
10) Texting am! Assessmon’: and sia cpr in Rivers eal, Teaching German: Praca Gude an Teaching San
‘Pratieal Gude ll om Lincolnvoed, I: Natal Textbook Ca, 1985 snd W.M, Rivers and M, Nahi 4 Pract Gnade othe
Toahung of Hebrew (Tel Avi: Unversity Publishing Praeet, 1989)
39, For suggestions on how to arrange the retaking of ets se Rivers (1988 and Rivest (1888, 1989), chap. 0.
40, See M. Carle, “The Measurement of Communicative ampetence, in R Kaplan, edna Review of Ape Linguistics 8
(New York: Cambridge Univesity Pres, 988), pp. 6787
41 Gatepr0 (1972) p20,
4214.1, Nostrand, "Auten exts_Cultural Authenticity: An Eitri” Meer Language Jorma 7311989)
43.6 Conese, "neration inthe FL Classroom: From Reactive to PraatveExparince of Languge” Systm 15, (1987):32
4, SeealsoG.L.. Robinson, "Culturally ivese Spach i
‘Cambridge: Cambedge University Press, 1987), pp 81
"in W.M. Rivers, meractve Langage Teaching
45 RJ DiPieto, Sagi eration: Leaning Trough Seni (Canlvide: Cambie University Pres, 1987), Furter ides
for bringing students o awareness of another etre are ound in W. M Rives, Teaching Foreign Language Sil 2
‘Chicago: Univer of Cieago Press, 981), chap TI
46.6 .L.N. Robinson, Crosseral Understanding: Proceses and Approaches for Fartgn Language, English axa Foreign
Language and Bilingual Edvctors (New York an Oxf: Pergamon, 1983), pp 3S
47.€. Krams, Comex and Culture Language Teaching (Oxford Oxf Unversity Press, 1993), 18.
481, Dewey, Experiences in Nate (Chicago: Open Cou, 1925). p.179.
48.5. Kipp, "tue Reaction chap. 8 of M. Chae, An Karly Sart Second Language a Primary School (Melbue,
‘Astalit River Seine Pbleatons, 1986), pp. 104105.