In the seminar „Teaching English as a Foreign Language: Grammar and Lexis in
Context“ (WS 07/08) “English-minor” students are obligated to write a term paper
about an issue which fits into the course subject matter. In this case, the topic “How to
teach Lexis and Dictionary Usage according to the Curriculum” was chosen.
The topic can be seen as one of the most important issues because the “future-teachers”
need to be aware of what is expected and demanded from them due to the curriculum.
This topic and respectively this term paper is a summary of what is meant by Lexical
teaching and learning. Also, the “Niedersächsiches Kerncurriulum Englisch” is exposed
inside of this paper in order to reveal the teaching/learning expectations related to Lexis.
An obviously important question is “How is Lexis learned and being taught in school
and how can dictionaries help to acquire a language?” Furthermore, in this case, the
curriculum has to be considered as well. This term paper describes some of the
opportunities German teachers have, according to the curriculum, to enhance Lexis
acquisition especially with the addition of using a particular dictionary. It mainly deals
with the ideas of the Lexical Approach (Michael Lewis). The Lexical part of language
acquisition is seen as the most important one within this approach. The term paper
creates a relationship between how Lexis is involved in “ideal” language acquisition and
the national standards of the particular German school curriculum (in this case
“Hauptschule” is reflected on). As a result, it shows whether there is a conflict between
language acquisition referring to the Lexical Approach and curriculum guidelines or
unison between those two aspects. In order to do so, both parts of the discussion are
particularly identified.
To describe and define the most important expressions, the paper starts with the
definitions of Lexis, vocabulary, grammar, Lexical Approach and Lexis teaching in
school. Then, different types of dictionaries and dictionary usage in school are
portrayed. After that, the “Niedersächsiches Kerncurriculum” is depicted before
teaching Lexis and dictionary usage according to it is explained. Moreover, it is shown
how dictionaries can possibly help to enhance language/Lexis acquisition and some
examples are supplied.
[...]
Table of Contents
- 1. Introduction
- 2. Definitions
- 2.1 Lexis
- 2.1.1 Lexis, Vocabulary and Grammar
- 2.1.2 The Lexical Approach
- 2.2 Dictionary
- 2.2.1 Types of Dictionaries
- 2.2.2 Dictionary Usage in the Classroom
- 3. How to teach Lexis and Dictionary Usage according to the Curriculum
- 3.1 Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch
- 3.2 How to teach Lexis and Dictionary Usage according to the Curriculum
- 3.3 Teaching and Learning Lexis with the help of Dictionaries
- 4. Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This term paper examines how to teach lexis and dictionary usage effectively within the framework of the Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch. It aims to bridge the gap between theoretical approaches to lexical acquisition, particularly the Lexical Approach, and the practical application within the German school curriculum, specifically the Hauptschule. The paper investigates whether these two approaches are compatible or conflicting.
- Defining and differentiating lexis, vocabulary, and grammar.
- Exploring the Lexical Approach and its implications for teaching lexis.
- Analyzing the role of dictionaries in effective lexis acquisition.
- Examining the Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch and its expectations regarding lexis instruction.
- Determining the compatibility between the Lexical Approach and curriculum guidelines.
Chapter Summaries
1. Introduction: This introductory chapter sets the stage for the term paper, explaining its purpose within the context of a teaching English as a foreign language seminar. It establishes the importance of understanding curriculum requirements for prospective teachers and highlights the central focus on lexical teaching and learning, particularly in the context of the Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch. The chapter introduces the key question of how lexis is learned and taught in schools and the role dictionaries play. It briefly outlines the paper's structure and its engagement with the Lexical Approach, aiming to analyze potential conflicts or harmonies between this approach and the national curriculum guidelines.
2. Definitions: This chapter provides crucial definitions for understanding the core concepts discussed throughout the paper. It begins by differentiating between "lexis" and "vocabulary," clarifying that lexis encompasses both single words and multi-word units, emphasizing the importance of "chunks" in language acquisition. The chapter contrasts the traditional separation of vocabulary and grammar with the more integrated view presented by the Lexical Approach. It highlights the communicative value of lexis, suggesting that vocabulary errors are more significant than grammatical errors. Finally, the chapter delves into different types of dictionaries and their ideal use within a language classroom, providing the foundation for subsequent discussions on effective dictionary usage in lexis instruction.
3. How to teach Lexis and Dictionary Usage according to the Curriculum: This chapter delves into the practical application of teaching lexis and dictionary usage in accordance with the Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch. It examines the curriculum’s specific requirements and expectations regarding lexis instruction. It explores various teaching methodologies and strategies that effectively integrate dictionary use for enhanced lexis acquisition. The chapter likely provides concrete examples and strategies for teachers to utilize dictionaries to foster better understanding and application of vocabulary, demonstrating a practical guide to implementing curriculum guidelines within the classroom context.
Keywords
Lexis, vocabulary, grammar, Lexical Approach, dictionary usage, curriculum, Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch, language acquisition, collocations, multi-word units, communicative competence, teaching methodology, Hauptschule.
Frequently Asked Questions: Teaching Lexis and Dictionary Usage According to the Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch
What is the main focus of this term paper?
This term paper examines how to effectively teach lexis and dictionary usage within the framework of the Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch (Lower Saxony Core Curriculum for English). It investigates the compatibility between theoretical approaches to lexical acquisition (specifically the Lexical Approach) and practical application in German Hauptschulen.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include defining and differentiating lexis, vocabulary, and grammar; exploring the Lexical Approach and its implications for teaching; analyzing the role of dictionaries in lexis acquisition; examining the Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch's expectations regarding lexis instruction; and determining the compatibility between the Lexical Approach and curriculum guidelines.
What is the Lexical Approach, and how is it relevant to this paper?
The Lexical Approach is a teaching method that emphasizes the importance of learning lexis (single words and multi-word units) as the foundation of language acquisition. The paper explores whether this approach aligns with the requirements of the Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch.
What is the role of dictionaries in this paper?
The paper highlights the crucial role of dictionaries in effective lexis acquisition. It explores different types of dictionaries and provides practical strategies for their use in the classroom to enhance vocabulary learning.
How does the paper address the Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch?
The paper thoroughly examines the specific requirements and expectations of the Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch concerning lexis instruction. It analyzes how teaching methodologies can effectively integrate dictionary use to meet curriculum guidelines.
What are the key differences between lexis and vocabulary, as defined in the paper?
The paper clarifies that while often used interchangeably, "lexis" encompasses both single words and multi-word units (chunks), emphasizing the importance of these chunks in language acquisition. This contrasts with a more traditional view of vocabulary as isolated single words.
What are the chapter summaries?
The paper includes summaries of each chapter: Chapter 1 (Introduction) sets the context and introduces the central question; Chapter 2 (Definitions) clarifies key terms like lexis and vocabulary; and Chapter 3 (How to teach Lexis and Dictionary Usage according to the Curriculum) explores practical applications and teaching strategies based on the Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include: Lexis, vocabulary, grammar, Lexical Approach, dictionary usage, curriculum, Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch, language acquisition, collocations, multi-word units, communicative competence, teaching methodology, Hauptschule.
What is the overall conclusion of the paper (inferred)?
The paper aims to bridge the gap between theoretical approaches like the Lexical Approach and the practical application within the Niedersächsisches Kerncurriculum Englisch, assessing their compatibility and offering practical guidance for teachers.
- Citar trabajo
- Henner Kaatz (Autor), 2008, How to teach Lexis and Dictionary Usage according to the Curriculum , Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/118085
