Friday, June 13, 2008

WORKSHOP #4 - Language and Culture


On April 25th, Mrs. Maria das Graças Miranda, a teacher at Colégio Cenecista Dr. José Ferreira brainstormed with us over Language and Culture. She proposed an overview of the methodologies for English Language Teaching since English started to be taught in Brazil. It was interesting to know how it was done. We were able to see the evolution of the methods and materials used to help a student acquire a second language. She proposed old-fashioned exercises and activities as an example of what we were discussing, and it gave us an idea of what it was like to teach some years ago. She even showed us an old book so we could compare it to the ones we use today.
Undoubtedly, books nowadays are better than in the past, however, it doesn't make old books ineffective or useless. People used to learn with it, and if they still had to use these books, I believe they would learn again. This workshop made me think: the point is not only the book you use, nor the methodology you stand for, neither the attention you have to your students. The point is how in tune are your strategies with your students? No matter what you do, make sure it corresponds to your students expectations and lives.
I love history and I believe that the answers for our future questions lies in our past. We always have to look back for examples and experiences in order to build today the strcutures we want for our futures. Therefore, understanding the cultural conexions between english language and its students in the past and nowadays is a key action towards an effective and successful english language practice.

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