Foreign Language Learning in Primary Education
Introduction to Foreign Language Learning
My name is Paula Cantón Prieto, and this document develops a unit focused on foreign language acquisition. Since language is the primary means of human communication, learning a foreign language is essential in a society that fosters international relationships at social, cultural, professional, and political levels. It promotes mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect for others’ cultural values, broadening one’s perspective. Spain’s integration into the European community creates new formative needs in the linguistic environment, establishing a new context for communicative and cultural exchange. Historically, a common language has been used to facilitate communication and exchange ideas; today, English serves as the lingua franca.
Our educational system features an open and flexible curriculum adaptable to students’ specific needs through various levels of development. However, the teaching plan must be implemented thoughtfully. The primary goal in foreign language teaching is to develop students’ communicative competence. This requires a communicative approach, providing students with ample practice to use the language in diverse situations, aligning with the objectives of our current educational law (LOE). The Foreign Language Area in the Curriculum contributes to learners’ integral development, enabling them to embrace different ways of life.
Bibliography and Legal Framework
The bibliography used in this document includes:
- Brewster, Jean et al.: The Primary English Teacher Guide. Penguin, 1992.
- Harmer, Jeremy: The Practice of English Language Teaching. Longman, 1991.
- Hubbard, Peter: A Training Course for TEFL. Oxford University Press, 1999.
- Crystal, David: The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language. Cambridge University Press, 1997.
- Richards, Jack and Rodgers, Theodore: Approaches and Methods in Language Teaching. Cambridge University Press, 1998.
For the Legal Framework, the following are considered:
- Decree 40, 2/2007 of May 3rd, establishing the curriculum of Primary Education for the Autonomous region of Castilla y León.
- LOE (Organic Law of Education), 2/2006 of May 3rd.
- Royal Decree 1513/2006 of December 7th.
Additionally, research from the following webpages is included:
Conclusion: Importance of Communicative Competence
This unit is an integral part of a larger set of 25 units, interconnected and designed to achieve comprehensive language proficiency. The main objective of the English class is to foster communication using both verbal and non-verbal strategies. For pupils to use the language effectively, they must master the four skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. This development of communicative competence in everyday situations is the curricular aim of the current educational law. It is achieved by using language appropriately, accurately, and fluently.
It is also crucial for children to develop a positive attitude towards the language and culture, providing them with a broader vision of reality and greater tolerance. Teachers should introduce relevant knowledge about countries where English is spoken and their speakers.
Several methods have been developed to find the best way of teaching a foreign language. These approaches emphasize that learning a language requires:
- Pronouncing and recognizing sounds.
- Using grammatical structures correctly.
- Applying vocabulary in different contexts.
Regarding materials, foreign language teachers should be aware of the variety of resources available, such as literary texts, songs, games, and drama activities. These tools should be selected according to the pupils’ interests, level, and age to facilitate effective language learning.
Technical aids are also significant, not only for motivating children but also for enhancing the quality of education by adapting teaching to students’ different capacities. This promotes autonomous learning strategies, shifting towards a learner-centered environment.
Furthermore, it is essential for English teachers to understand every curricular element in depth and to plan units thoughtfully, considering the system’s open and flexible nature. Above all, learners should be regarded as individuals with different learning styles, aptitudes, and motivations. Knowledge of classroom management is crucial for success in English learning.
In conclusion, this unit is not an isolated element but part of a complex teaching-learning process aimed at language acquisition and the development of communicative competence.