Kweku Smith Article Analysis

The article written by Kweku Smith has an abundant amount of useful information. Overall, he brought awareness to the different aspects that a second language teacher should take into consideration regarding the student they are teaching. Smith encourages teachers to take their students background into the teaching process; noting that it plays a key factor in aiding in the process of learning. He also wants to make clear that there is no prototype as to how a second language student should behave. Therefore, it is not in the best interest of the students to expect the same rate and level of progress in language acquisition. Students have different motivations, interest, proficiency in the language and cultural backgrounds. The article goes …show more content…
They seem to be effective and I think that he went into enough detail for readers grasp what was being said. He also explained it well enough for readers to replicate the instructional listens or develop their own ways of teaching with the tips given. Another strong point is that the article promotes sensitivity to different factors of a students needs, as oppose to shoving them with information that they may not be receptive to. One of the weak points in the article is the idea that a students proficiency in their own language benefits in processing a new language. This is true that having obtaining language before the critical period is essential in overall language acquisition. It does make language easier to process, because the child or adult has developed preferable motor function, understanding of syntax and semantics. They are able to formulate abstract ideas to create new thoughts in the second language. The downfall in relying on the acquisition of the learners first language presents the conflict on fossilization. For example, in the Japanese language there is no gender differences. In spoken Japanese they over generalize and don’t specify if a person, place and thing is masculine or feminine. The Japanese language does not have plural forms in …show more content…
I would apply the vocabulary role play to teach my classes. If I am teaching a group of six year olds English it is useless to teach them by giving them information and hope that they study to remember it. I have to come up with an activity that will grab their attention and make them receptive to the language. What I would do is introduce them to a list of useful words and phrases that they can use in day to day life. Phrases such as “where is the bathroom?” or “Can I get a cup of water”. I would also introduce them to the name of vegetables, fruits, soft drinks, establishments (office, school, university etc) and article of clothing. Then, I would go through a series of repetition and usage of the word. I want them to know the phonology and meaning of the word. Afterwards, I would have them break into groups and develop of a mini simple play of daily activities. This way they can have a reinforcement of the words and