The neurolinguistic approach (NLA) is a new pedagogical approach to foreign language learning conceptualized by Netten & Germain in 1997 in Canada. This pedagogical approach is based on recent researches in neurolinguistics, especially Michel Paradis’s neuro -linguistic theory of bilingualism. The NLA started to be used outside Canadian territories for teaching learning of French as a foreign language (FFL) both in institutional and academic setting starting from 2010. Before that, the NLA was used- and still is- in Canada as the basic approach of the intensive French program (FI) for young English-speaking and adolescents from 11 to 17 years old in school context. In NLA, the main principle is to develop the ability to communicate orally without learning explicit knowledge. The NLA is based on Michel Paradis’ neurolinguistics theory of bilingualism.
In NLA, priority is given to oral language development because only the frequent use of oral language can help develop implicit competence or internal grammar. Before being able to read and write in the L2, the learner must be able to speak spontaneously about the themes that affect his/her life, personal experiences, as he /she does in L1. Indeed, when a student enters school he/she has already developed an internal grammar or implicit competence to communicate verbally in L1. He/she is able to speak and communicate with others but he /she is not aware of the grammar rules that underlie his /her productions. However, when a learner begins to learn L2, he/she does not have oral skills (internal grammar). He/she must first develop his internal grammar, that is to say, the ability to address an oral theme and then be able to learn to read and write on the same theme. Thus, according to NLA, learning to speak an L2 consists in first acquiring the ability to communicate orally before knowing the explicit rules about the language
The purpose of this research is to answer 2 questions: First, how can neurolinguistics help in foreign language acquisition? And in second place, to what extant can the NLA help Iranian learners develop better oral communication skills? In order to find the answers, the authors paralleled the NLA with a current method of teaching / learning French as a Foreign Language in Iran.
The present research is based on an experimental method with a quasi-experimental design, the authors have chosen an experimental group comprising 10 beginner adults and a control group with the same characteristics. To collect the research data, the authors have used one quantitative (class video recordings observation and analysis) and one qualitative research (questionnaire) instruments.
The results showed that during class interactions the experimental group made fewer mistakes while speaking and autocorrection was higher among this group.
Mean | N | Std. Deviation | Mean Deviation | ||
Pre-test | 111.4286 | 7 | 19.07754 | 7.21063 | |
Post-test | 155.8571 | 7 | 22.13165 | 8.36497 |
Couple comparison | T | Df | Sig |
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Mean | Std. Deviation | |||||
Pre-test Post-test |
-44.42857 | 11.2673 | -10.433 | 6 | 000.0 | |
very much | Much | medium | little | very little | Items | Main categories | Row |
During the class visit, the educational counselor pays attention to the teacher's gesture (positioning, movement, tone of voice and speed of speech and movements in the classroom environment). | Behavior |
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An educational counselor is available to address teacher problems, except during classroom supervision. |
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The educational counselor is aware of his / her role of accompanying the teacher. |
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The training consultant devotes sufficient time to supervision. |
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Before observing the class, the educational counselor informs the teacher of his / her supervisory criteria and the objectives of the class supervision. |
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When observing the class, the counselor uses appropriate tools such as an evaluation table or a camera to record the sessions. |
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During the interview after the visit, the educational counselor fully describes the teacher's problems. |
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Through observation sessions, the educational counselor controls the quality of the teaching-learning process and, in a way, evaluates what is observed in relation to the expected situation. |
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The educational counselor pays attention to the arrangement of the learners in the classroom situation, according to the educational goals of the teacher. |
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During the observation, the educational counselor pays attention to classroom management, board management, space management, time management, and interactions between learners-learners and learners-teachers. |
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It is important for the counselor that the teacher has an alternative lesson plan (Plan B). |
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It is important for the counselor that the instructor, before starting the class, perform classroom rituals such as (attending class before class, chatting, attending, and asking for dates and days, talking about the weather…). |
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The counselor cares about having the right interactions with the teacher. | Ethics |
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Takes care of the teacher in expressing and analyzing the teaching problems in a timely manner. |
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Easily accepts other people's ideas. |
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In supervision, the educational counselor always adheres to the principle of confidentiality and treats the teacher with respect, humility and patience. |
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Based on his / her personal experiences in teaching and supervision, he / she makes suggestions to the teacher. |
Educational basics |
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After visiting the classroom, she usually transfers her knowledge and experiences to the teacher and asks her to adapt those experiences to her/his class by thinking. |
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After visiting the classroom, she/he encourages the teacher to think |
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In order to improve the quality of teaching, the educational counselor provides teaching aids and tools to the teacher. |
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Holds training courses to meet the needs of teachers. |
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During the visit, he / she monitors the teacher's skill level (teaching method) and educational cognition (learners' learning style). |
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Considers the use of learner assessment methods. |
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The educational counselor reviews the assessments made by the teacher. |
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Pays attention to the correct implementation of the educational regulations of the institute (class hours, number of absences, timely completion of educational content, etc). |
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The educational counselor causes stress and anxiety to the teacher.. | Psychological factors |
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The educational consultant is involved in creating the teacher's creativity and innovation. |
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The educational counselor helps and motivates the teacher. |
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The training consultant plays the role of guide and team leader. | Professional and organizational characteristics |
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The training consultant is an active listener during monitoring and observation. |
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The training counselor has sufficient expertise and skills to conduct class observations and post-visit sessions. |
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The gender of the educational counselor affects the quality of classroom supervision. |
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During the session, after visiting the teacher, she /he wants to explain the purpose of her actions. | The meaning of action |
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During the interview, after the visit, she/he encourages the teacher to express the strengths and weaknesses of her behavior. |
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The educational counselor listens to the teacher's comments during the interview after the visit and then expresses his or her understanding in order to resolve the misunderstanding in front of him / her. |
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Encourages the teacher to find the right answer to the thought and, by challenging the teacher, teaches her/him the way of thinking. |
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The counselor acts independently in dealing with problems. | Compatibility |
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Guides the teacher to find the right answer. |
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The consultant participates in training courses to update information and improve his / her performance in order to adapt to new needs |
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In the face of unforeseen situations, it changes its behavior and takes a position appropriate to the new situation. |
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The training counselor uses understandable words during the interview, not scientific and specialized words that make it difficult to understand. | Verbal skills |
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The educational counselor is skilled in expressing his / her thoughts to the teacher and expresses his / her thoughts clearly and fluently. |
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