Part III – “To Structure or not to Structure… that is the question….” – Putting a name to the methodologies that TalktoCanada.com uses to teach ESL online

NOV27th2009

As I’ve briefly gone over in my previous posts – the Dogme Language Learning Approach is a methodology that encourages learning “as it happens” – which means that there is technically “no” set structure. Now as a teacher myself… I do like some type of structure. And I’m sure my students do as well. I can’t imagine starting a lesson on the fly – and not being prepared for things/questions that may arise. I am however really flexible. My students guide the lesson – and I merely facilitate it. I would say it is somewhat semi-structured.

I always start the lesson the same… either asking about their day or weekend – and usually that leads to other questions, tangents, and essentially learning which takes place through these types of open ended questions. I could ask someone about their day and they could talk about it for the entire lesson!! We are learning new vocabulary, expressions, and grammar during this entire time, which is the overall goal of any English speaking course. I may have some other “plans” for the lesson – but whether or not we get to it… doesn’t matter. Sometimes articles are used – but only the headlines to develop discussion about a specific topic (usually one that the student can relate to – and it’s my job to find something interesting for them… whether it be about their next vacation destination, or an experience they can relate to, or something really off the wall that makes them think outside the box – and they say “wait a minute.. what is this all about?”)

Some students however like the structure of – Part I, Part II, Part III – a checklist of

sorts, with goals and set learning objectives in each part. As a teacher I think that it is important to give the students options and check in every once and a while to make sure they are happy with those options. Ask them how they feel they are progressing… remember they are in the driver’s seat of their learning.

It’s a new way of approaching English language learning – giving the students control – but whether we put the name “Dogme Language Learning Approach” to it or not – it has many positive results, the trick is finding the balance that works with both you and your students.