BlogArchive by Category "Learning Techniques" (Page 9)

Learning Languages

12Oct

Learning words, word frequency, graded readers and more.

To me the major task in language learning is the acquisition of vocabulary. If this is done through massive listening and reading, it will naturally bring with it a constantly improving familiarity with the language, making it easier and easier to...

14May

Words and more words

Learning Techniques

Here is the podcast.For those that do not understand, I could provide a transcript if there is a lot of interest, but not just for one or two people. It is a lot of work.Steve

13May

Do we learn a language by speaking or listening?

Learning Techniques

We need both, in my view. But listening is very powerful and speaking, at least in the early stages, is largely overrated. Here is a podcast on the subject

05May

How much grammar and when – a debate

Learning Techniques

Vince of streetsmart language learning and your humble servant had a "debate" about the merits of grammar learning, when to do it and how much of it we need, and even how to do it. I am sure we both feel that we did not get all our licks in.Skype ...

04May

Memory and language learning.

Learning Techniques

How important is memory in language learning? Not very I say here in this video.

27Apr

How to best get close to a native accent?

Learning Techniques

Jerry Dai is a young immigrant to Canada from China. He came to Canada in his twenties. Click on his name to hear his short video. His English is like a native or pretty close.His technique for mastering English pronunciation was to listen to the ...

26Apr

Why input trumps output in language learning.

Learning Techniques

Some arguments in favour of input. I am sure there are many more.We need to understand before we can speak. I would rather understand well and stumble when I speak than the reverse. If we can produce intelligible phrases and do not understand the ...

26Apr

Authentic content versus graded readers – some thoughts

Learning Techniques

Graded readers are widely available for learners of English and to a lesser extent for other languages. Beginner content is also a form of graded reader. How long do we need to say in the sheltered world of using content, audio or texts, that is w...

20Sep

Pronunciation Exercise

Learning Techniques

Here is a recent pronunciation exercise I published in our newsletter. Click this link to access the audio version of the text. if (FlashDetect.installed) { $('flash_embed-HhuewdBIqr').show(); $('quicktime_embed-HhuewdBIqr').hide(); } else { $('qu...