Cultured Learning

Students have often told me that while they can understand and communicate with confidence in the classroom, they find it close to impossible and nerve-wracking in the real world. Not only is this disheartening for the student, but it also highlights a real issue in today’s English teaching methodology.

The problem lies with the fact that Classroom-based tuition does not create a natural, spontaneous environment for learning and as a result students are often unprepared for the real world. Why is this? Firstly, this is because the classroom provides an unnaturally cosseted setting. Secondly, in most cases, classroom students practise their communication skills primarily with other learners rather than with fluent speakers of English. Thirdly, textbooks and classroom teaching methods try to create imaginary contexts in which language is used to promote understanding and learning but unfortunately this will always be artificial and can never replicate the natural environment. Fourthly, the cultural element is frequently altogether absent from teaching which can pose a problem in the real world, (especially if a native speaker finds a learner ‘rude’ in speech or manner, when in reality they are just floundering over getting the words out in the right order – after all, a simple ‘please or thank you’, goes a long way in the UK, but is often the last thing a learner remembers when they’re struggling over tense.)

So what are the solutions to this problem? Well, having been an English language teacher for a number of years, I am convinced that there really is no substitute for providing students with the opportunity to practise language learnt out in the real world. In recent months, I have been involved with an English language consultancy called Cultured Learning Ltd and I believe that their innovative programmes and teaching methods are definitely a step in the right direction. For instance, the PACT (Professional and Cultural Training) programme allows students the opportunity to go out around London with a teacher to practise their English and experience the culture of London and Britain. Students can order meals at restaurants, go shopping, see and discuss exhibitions at museums and art galleries, and so on, secure in the knowledge that their language teacher is on hand to guide and correct them if they need it.

Furthermore, I believe that for the majority of learners, the cultural aspect is almost as important as the linguistic one and Cultured Learning place a keen emphasis not only on providing English language tuition for those visiting or living in London but also on providing an insight into the culture of London and Britain. This helps learners understand how to feel at ease with British people and how to fit in.

In conclusion I believe that in order to prepare students for the real world, teachers of English need to give their students the opportunity to practise their English in the real world. We need to provide the transitional step between the classroom and the real world to take out the fear element and assist students in stepping up to the challenge.

For more information about Cultured Learning, please see our website: www.culturedlearning.co.uk.