Michael, I still fail to understand how reading is analogous to listening in language acuisition. In my experience and from what language acquisition theory I'm aware of it is not. Please explain.
 Bonnie Odiorne, PhD Director, Writing Center Adjunct Professor of English, French, First Year Transitions, Day Division and ADP
Post University, Waterbury, CT
Labyrinth Facilitator, Spiritual Director
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________________________________
From: Steve Kaufmann <steve at thelinguist.com>
To: The Adult English Language Learners Discussion List <englishlanguage at nifl.gov>
Sent: Sunday, August 9, 2009 10:42:47 AM
Subject: [EnglishLanguage 4766] Re: critical thinking

Michael,

What I mean is that the main  role of the teacher is to stimulate, encourage and assist the learner and inspire him or her to seek out the language on his or her own. If teachers are successful then they make their students self-directed. 

The teacher can also explain things about the language, but that is of less importance. I remember those of my teachers who inspired me to seek out knowledge and care about the subject I was learning. I do not remember them explaining things to me, although  they probably did. This was true for all subjects.

I do not  believe we need to define critical thinking, higher learning thinking, or the word "language". The most important ingredient in the learners acquisition of a new language is the amount of exposure to the language. This is most easily done through reading and listening, which is available to the learners almost anywhere and any time. This is most effective if the content is meaningful to the learner, interesting and not too difficult.

Teachers can point out things about the language, but far more things will be discovered by the learner on his or her own.



Steve Kaufmann
www.thelinguist.blogs.com
www.lingq.com
604-922-8514
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