Language variety

Variations of a language used by particular groups of people, includes regional dialects characterized by distinct vocabularies, speech patterns, grammatical features, and so forth; may also vary by social group (sociolect) or idiosyncratically for a particular individual (idiolect).

 

Lead-in(n.), lead in(v.)

The activity or activities used to prepare learners to work on a text, topic or main task. A lead-in often includes an introduction to the topic of the text or main task and possibly study of some new key language required for the text or main task.

 

 

Learner autonomy

~ is the capacity learners have to take charge of their own learning. This implies choice of aims, content, approaches and/or forms of evaluation based on reflection related to individual needs and interests.

 

Learner autonomy(n.), autonomous(adj.), learner independence

When a learner can set his/her own aims and organise his/her own study, they are autonomous and independent. Many activities in course books help learners to be more independent by developing learning strategiesand focusing on learner training.

 

Learner feedback

~ is an account of progress / performance given to learners by teachers or peers to enable them to reflect on, analyse and evaluate what they have or have not achieved. It may also refer to what learners tell those who are teaching them and/or monitoring their progress, how well they, the learners, believe they are performing.

 

Learner strategy

~s are the behaviours or actions that learners engage in, in order to learn or use the L2. They are generally considered to be conscious. See also cognitiveand metacognitive strategies.

 

Learner-centred

When the learners are at the centre of the activities and have the chance to work together, make choices and think for themselves in a lesson. See teacher-centred.

 

Learning

A cumulative process whereby individuals gradually assimilate increasingly complex and abstract entities (concepts, categories, and patterns of behaviour or models) and/or acquire skills and competences. It is the internalization of rules and formulas which can be used to communicate in the L2. Krashen uses this term for formal learning in the classroom.

 

Learning by doing

Learning acquired by repeated practice of a task, but without instruction.

 

Learning by using

Learning acquired by repeated use of tools or facilities, but without instruction.