Part I: The Basics of Dogme – Putting a name to the methodologies that TalktoCanada.com uses to teach ESL online

by Jillian Zavitz

I was recently formally introduced to the Dogme language learning approach – although have unofficially been using it throughout my entire ESL teaching career.  As mentioned in the previous article, the main principle behind the Dogme language learning approach is learning through conversation, rather than learning with a textbook. 

Most online learners (actually truthfully ALL of my students) improve their English using this method.  You may think – “Ok – Conversation – that doesn’t sound like learning” but really – it is and it has the most impressive results.  

Through conversation teachers act as “facilitators” and shape the lesson – prompt questions – encourage discussion.  But it’s really the student who is in the driver’s seat.  They are able to select content (usually something that they are passionate about, or want to learn more about) and essentially create the lesson.  The student comes up with the grammar questions, and vocabulary questions and comprehension questions.  The students guide the lesson – and create their own learning.  Teachers are there to facilitate that learning. 

A complete 180* turn around from what traditionally ESL learning is/was.  Textbooks and formal lesson plans lay everything out for you – and it is easier to just follow and do the exercises instead of thinking for yourself.  You are still learning – but you are learning what someone else thinks is important.

Sometimes this is important for ESL learners.  And sometimes it depends on the level. Would the Dogme language learning approach be as successful for a beginner/novice student? Or would the student get frustrated because they just don’t have the fundamentals in the language to hold a conversation? 

There are many questions to consider – that’s for sure – but essentially ESL learning is shifting towards this direction – whether it be online or offline.