Arzu - a detailed analysis
of a language learner
by Kendall Peet
- 9

Language Learning Objectives

Language learning objectives for the learner

The objectives listed below and the suggestions made are in accordance with the understanding that Arzu will continue to attend International House. Therefore, the suggestions made are in addition to the content included within the Cutting Edge Intermediate Text, to be covered in class. I have included objectives relating to grammar and lexis in the writing/reading section.

Listening/Speaking

Arzu feels that speaking is the area where she would most like to improve. Arzu is also predominantly an auditory learner. The first priority, therefore, is to concentrate on areas that relate directly to oral communication.

In class

In class I would use dialogue and script to present new lexis/language. I would utilise tapescripts and recordings from various class text and supplement this with material that I prepare in circumstances where I cannot find a tapescript with the language I need.

A personal action plan

I recommend that Arzu:

• Seek out opportunities to interact orally in English, such as the IH free conversation classes on Mon-Fri 6-10, and Sat/Sun 2-3.30pm, because quantity is important.
• Join the British Council Library, which has an excellent audio-visual section. Membership is cheap and the benefits are substantial.
• Record herself speaking, preferably imitating the voice of a native speaker, as means to self-correction. This should help her become more aware of the errors that I will bring to her attention in the post-DELTA feedback session I have planned.
• Focus on improving her pronunciation of /w/, /v/, /r/, / θ / and / ð / sound. I will give her the mouth gym exercise sheet I have put together (A11) and recommend that she practice at home in front of the mirror for a few minutes each day
• Listen to audio recordings, available from the BC Library, in her free time, such as when she is commuting to and from work each day in the service bus (an hour each way).
• Watch English programs on television and English cinema; BC Library is a good resource.
• Use the internet to access listening material. In particular, I recommend the BBC world serve website: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/news
• Circle any contractions present in tapescripts and then read the tapescript to help raise her awareness of the use of contractions in speech.
• Finally, I would encourage her to go to England because I believe that total immersion into an L1 culture is the easiest way to improve fluency.

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