In second language classes, the students are asked to translate to and fro the first language and the target language. This exercise is one of the several forms of exercises used in the language classes. Is this a good idea? What are the pros and cons. This post analyzes the pros and cons of the translation exercise using Six Thinking Hats method.
White Hat - The facts
The translation method was first introduced in England in early 1900s to train their students to translate documents and books from other other languages to English and vice-versa. This approach helped meet the goal of the British government. The goal was not to train the students to learn a language; it was just to help with translation. The schools focused on vocabulary and grammar rules necessary to do the translation job. Hence this method is called Translation Method.
Translation Method is one of the several language teaching methods used today. There are so many approaches with each having pros and cons. There is no one size fits all method out there. It is hard to say a particular method will meet the needs of all language learners. It is up to the language teachers to adopt a method that helps them to reach their language teaching goal.
Like many other methods, the translation method also adds some value.
Yellow Hat - the Pros
The objectives of the translation exercises in the language class are language exposure, and vocabulary practice, and also serves as validation of language understanding. It helps with vocabulary practice.
Black Hat - the Cons
It is a learning activity; that is, it is a conscious drill. What is learned during conscious drill is forgotten soon It is not that interesting. Consumes the scarce resource; student's time. Designed to focus on the form, not meaning. The kids should know the grammar of both the language; it puts too much pressure on them. It is not meant for helping them with conversation with native speakers. It results in very low amount of acquired competence.
Green Hat - the Alternatives
Involve the kids in the language acquisition activities. Use the language in contexts. Practice language for communication. Help them read an interesting stories. Help them use the language. Tell stories. Ask them do Free voluntary reading (FVR).
Blue Hat - Conclusion
It is not completely wrong to do translation exercise. But, looks like this exercise gives less value for more effort. Since the time is little, it will be good to use that time for language acquisition activities.
நன்றி
லோகு
White Hat - The facts
The translation method was first introduced in England in early 1900s to train their students to translate documents and books from other other languages to English and vice-versa. This approach helped meet the goal of the British government. The goal was not to train the students to learn a language; it was just to help with translation. The schools focused on vocabulary and grammar rules necessary to do the translation job. Hence this method is called Translation Method.
Translation Method is one of the several language teaching methods used today. There are so many approaches with each having pros and cons. There is no one size fits all method out there. It is hard to say a particular method will meet the needs of all language learners. It is up to the language teachers to adopt a method that helps them to reach their language teaching goal.
Like many other methods, the translation method also adds some value.
Yellow Hat - the Pros
The objectives of the translation exercises in the language class are language exposure, and vocabulary practice, and also serves as validation of language understanding. It helps with vocabulary practice.
Black Hat - the Cons
It is a learning activity; that is, it is a conscious drill. What is learned during conscious drill is forgotten soon It is not that interesting. Consumes the scarce resource; student's time. Designed to focus on the form, not meaning. The kids should know the grammar of both the language; it puts too much pressure on them. It is not meant for helping them with conversation with native speakers. It results in very low amount of acquired competence.
Green Hat - the Alternatives
Involve the kids in the language acquisition activities. Use the language in contexts. Practice language for communication. Help them read an interesting stories. Help them use the language. Tell stories. Ask them do Free voluntary reading (FVR).
Blue Hat - Conclusion
It is not completely wrong to do translation exercise. But, looks like this exercise gives less value for more effort. Since the time is little, it will be good to use that time for language acquisition activities.
நன்றி
லோகு
No comments:
Post a Comment