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Contextualizing Language

Contextualization is the meaningful use of language for real communicative purposes. It helps students understand how language users construct language in a given context. Teachers can contextualize language instruction by organizing the content of the language curriculum according to themes or topics. These themes or topics work best when they are threaded throughout the course of study.

Module Focus: Introduction

Some additional reasons for using contextualized language are that…


  • Language is constructed through a blend of purpose, situation, and social needs. Classroom learning experiences that incorporate these dimensions are more likely to lead to better learning outcomes.
  • A contextualized approach to instruction also supports the use of integrated skills, and pair and group work.
  • And, it can foster a deeper level of use of the language, especially when the themes and topics are high‐interest and motivate students.
#1 Viewing Points: Classroom Techniques

Video segment #1. You will see several short examples from classrooms that use contextualized language and themes. Look for examples of these kinds activities:
  • Games and interactive activities;
  • Storytelling, dramatization, or the acting out of language (this can also involve singing or chanting);
  • And, student presentations.
Also try to identify the themes or topics in the activities.

Summary

In these classes we saw examples of both lower and higher levels of language learners. And, examples of both light‐hearted and more serious topics. The themes and topics were from the “real world” and were of obvious interest to the learners. The teachers used a variety of activities to get students involved in both the language and the content or “context.”

Module Focus: Summary

The focus in Module 01 has been on the context of language teaching. Contextualizing language through the use of themes, topics, and real world situations can be a way to bring English alive for learners and actively engage them with both language and content.

to download the checklist click the following link: Language in Context

This information is taken from Modules of Shaping the Way We Teach English, module 1.

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