I define learning as “combining pieces of knowledge to create something new.” I want my students to analyze and reply to the work of others. I have been teaching English as a Second Language for ten years which makes the “create something new” aspect of learning easy. The entire purpose of all second language curricula is to empower learners to communicate in another language. There is some memorization such as spelling and basic grammar rules, but the real goal is to use those blocks of information to build something.
One benefit language teaching has over other subjects is the number of opportunities students get for individual creation. Learners are always making something new, even something as small as discussing the previous night’s NBA gaming after class. Past tense verbs do not care if you went swimming or watched a movie last weekend. Practicing using the blocks of language almost always allows students to create something they care about.
Since I began teaching ESL, I have focused more on getting my students to be “learned” instead of “educated” in English. Educated people know when to use “less” or “fewer;” learned people have confidence and effectively use English in all aspects of their lives. Using English helps someone learn more English creating a virtuous cycle of constant improvement.
The Keasy Depot 