World Language Classroom

Shifting the Focus from Grammar to Function

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Episode notes

#141
What have you heard about language functions? I see this as the idea of using the target language to communicate or convey a message rather than only being able to describe the grammatical structures, patterns and vocabulary. In this episode we are going to take a look at this shift in focus, and sometimes mindset, from a primary focus on grammatical forms to language functions with examples and practical strategies.

Topics In This Episode:

  • 3 aspects of communicative language teaching:
    • 1. goal is on communicating and doing something with the language
    • 2. student-centered
    • 3. focused on understanding the message being conveyed by students despite inaccuracy in language form. 
  • language functions
    • focus is on communicating, student-centered, understanding the message being conveyed by students despite inaccuracy in language form
  • practical strategies and examples to support our focus on language functions
    • Novice Levels: Making Language Practical
    • Intermediate Levels: Expanding Communication
  • Embrace the Shift
    • not an either/or when it comes to grammar 
    • it’s essential that we embrace this paradigm shift from a focus on grammar and accuracy to a broader emphasis on language functions and authentic communication. 
    • ensures that language learning is not just a theoretical exercise, but one that builds proficiency and communicative competence.
  • Blog post on Shifting the Focus from Grammar to Function

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