In this work it will be shown what exactly is meant with the term 'contextualization' and what its meanings for language learning and teaching are. A definition of context and contextualization will be the start of this paper. An overview of methods using the ideas of contextualization will follow and the last topic will be the advantages and disadvantages as well as the critics that formed against this movement of language teaching and learning. The paper will close with a short overview about current usage of contextualization in foreign language classrooms, as it is used to a large extend in schools and other institutions as for example the Volkshochschule.
Teaching methods differ widely, mostly concerning to what their approach on teaching and learning is and how it is pursued. Methods coming up in the 1970s stated that learning should happen in context, as contextualization is of major importance, when learning a language. This was seen as important in several approaches to learning foreign languages as for example the task based learning approach (TBL) or content and language integrated learning approach (CLIL). This development was a consequence of new research in the field of language acquisition. Beforehand behavioristic approaches and the views they stood for were most important for the developing of teaching and learning models, but as cognitivist views took over contextualization got more and more influential on the matter.
Table of Contents
- 1. The Development of Contextualization Approaches
- 2. The Role of Contextualization in Teaching and Learning English
- 2.1 Definitions and Forms of Context
- 2.2 Historical Overview
- 2.3 The Role of Context in Second Language Learning
- 2.4 Advantages of Contextualized Learning
- 2.5 Consequences of context oriented approaches for teachers
- 2.6 Criticism of Contextualized Learning Processes
- 2.7 Conclusion
- 3. Overview of today's teaching methods using context
Objectives and Key Themes
This paper aims to define contextualization in language learning, explore its historical development and impact on teaching methodologies like Task-Based Learning (TBL) and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL), and analyze its advantages and disadvantages. It examines the role of context in second language acquisition and its influence on learner motivation and outcomes.
- Definition and types of context in language learning
- Historical development of contextualized language teaching approaches
- The impact of context on second language acquisition and learner motivation
- Advantages and disadvantages of contextualized learning
- Criticisms of contextualized learning processes
Chapter Summaries
1. The Development of Contextualization Approaches: This chapter introduces the concept of contextualization in language teaching, highlighting its rise in the 1970s as a shift from behaviorist to cognitivist approaches. It emphasizes the importance of context in methods like TBL and CLIL, arising from new research in language acquisition. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the significance of contextualization within the broader framework of language learning and teaching methodologies, setting the stage for a deeper dive into its definitions, applications, and critiques in subsequent chapters. It introduces the core concept and provides a brief overview of the subsequent content.
2. The Role of Contextualization in Teaching and Learning English: This chapter delves into the multifaceted nature of "context" itself, presenting various definitions and categorizations. It distinguishes between different types of contexts, emphasizing the importance of situational context in classroom settings. The chapter meticulously explains contextualization as the practice of embedding language learning activities within relevant and realistic situations, arguing that this approach enhances comprehension and fluency. The chapter also provides a historical overview of the integration of contextualization into English language teaching methodologies, tracing its evolution from early cognitivist approaches to its current widespread use.
2.3 The Role of Context in Second Language Learning: This section explores the significant role of social context in second language acquisition, drawing on Spolsky's model to illustrate how social context influences learner attitudes, motivation, and ultimately, learning outcomes. It explains how contextualized learning provides learners with opportunities that directly impact their motivational levels and, as a result, their success in the language learning process. The chapter uses Spolsky's model to illustrate the intricate relationship between context, motivation, and learning outcomes.
2.4 Advantages of Contextualized Learning: This section details the benefits of contextualized learning, highlighting how interactive and contextualized language use facilitates quicker acquisition, provided appropriate instruction. It emphasizes the effectiveness of contextualized approaches in helping learners acquire and use language more efficiently and naturally, leading to improved fluency and comprehension. This section contrasts with later sections that address potential criticisms of these methods.
Keywords
Contextualization, language teaching, second language acquisition, task-based learning (TBL), content and language integrated learning (CLIL), learner autonomy, cognitivism, behaviorism, social context, motivation, learning outcomes.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this document?
This document is a comprehensive preview of a paper focusing on contextualization in language learning. It covers the historical development of contextualization approaches, its role in teaching and learning English, various teaching methods employing context, and a detailed analysis of its advantages and disadvantages.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the definition and types of context in language learning, the historical development of contextualized language teaching, the impact of context on second language acquisition and learner motivation, and a critical analysis of the advantages and disadvantages of contextualized learning, including criticisms of the approach.
What is contextualization in language learning, and why is it important?
Contextualization in language learning refers to embedding language learning activities within relevant and realistic situations. It's considered important because it enhances comprehension and fluency by providing meaningful context for learners to understand and use the language.
What teaching methodologies are discussed in relation to contextualization?
The paper specifically discusses Task-Based Learning (TBL) and Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) as methodologies that utilize and benefit from contextualization.
How does contextualization impact second language acquisition?
Contextualized learning significantly impacts second language acquisition by improving learner motivation and ultimately, learning outcomes. The paper explores how social context influences learner attitudes and success, drawing on Spolsky's model.
What are the advantages of using contextualized learning approaches?
Advantages include facilitating quicker language acquisition through interactive and contextualized language use, leading to improved fluency and comprehension. Contextualized approaches allow learners to acquire and use language more naturally and efficiently.
What are the criticisms of contextualized learning?
The document mentions that criticisms of contextualized learning processes are addressed, although the specific criticisms are not detailed in this preview.
What is the structure of the paper?
The paper is structured into chapters covering the development of contextualization approaches, the role of contextualization in teaching and learning English (with subsections on definitions, historical overview, the role of context in second language learning, advantages and disadvantages, and a conclusion), and an overview of current teaching methods using context.
What are the key words associated with this paper?
Key words include contextualization, language teaching, second language acquisition, task-based learning (TBL), content and language integrated learning (CLIL), learner autonomy, cognitivism, behaviorism, social context, motivation, and learning outcomes.
Where can I find more information about this topic?
This preview provides an overview; the full paper would provide more in-depth information about the specific aspects discussed.
- Quote paper
- Maximilian Bauer (Author), 2014, The Role of Contextualization in Teaching and Learning English, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/313371
