How do we become good language learners?

As language researchers began to move away from the idea of methodology into the post method era, a few different ideas came about. Teaching by way of principles and strategies seem to be the new lens that researchers and teachers are using to look at language. Teachers want to teach students how to take ownership of their own learning through these new principles and strategies. Instead of teaching them by a specific method, it is better to have a set of beliefs upon which you base your lessons, and then teach the students certain strategies so they can continue their language learning independently. In chapter four of Brown, he talks about Cognitive, Socioaffective, and Linguistic principles to language learning. All of these principles encompass different approaches to language learning. In chapter 16 of Brown, he ties that in by talking about strategies based instruction, the idea of teaching students how to learn language on their own. There are certain ways that they can learn more effectively. Kumar goes along with similar ideas, talking about how teachers can help learners become more involved in our classrooms. He says, “Recognizing the learner’s voice also means recognizing their attempt to create learning opportunities for themselves and for other participants in the class” (Kumar 49). Kumar also stresses student involvement in the learning process.      

In chapter sixteen of Brown’s book, he talks about what makes a good language learner. The comprehensive list that he puts forth may sound trite at first, but it really is true! I have noticed that some of my best teachers over the years have encouraged me to employ many of the techniques and tricks listed. One of the things that caught my eye the most was this; “learn to live with uncertainty by not getting flustered and by continuing to talk or listen without understanding every word” (Brown 259). This stood out to me because it’s something that I personally have struggled with over the years. I don’t like being wrong and making mistakes, and that’s something that I have had to grow in a lot. I always wanted to understand everything perfectly and make no mistakes. However, once I started to let go of little mistakes and realize that they can help me learn, I improved so much. I think that this is something I want to emphasize with my students in the future. If I can make them feel comfortable in the classroom and with me, then it will be easier for them to open up and learn, even if they are making mistakes. I want them to become life-long learners of language. That’s something that I struggle with: how do we teach students to become successful language learners? How do we teach them autonomy and ownership of their language learning?