Ponencia: Using Language as a Vehicle, not as Objective for Learning
When teachers tell students to memorize and repeat the grammar rules, a negative unconscious response is triggered. When people must go to school, a sense of anxiety and reject arises. Let’s face it! Nobody likes school! Although, on the other hand, learning has always been fun since it is a human condition… We are constantly learning about the things we are interested in. So, what if we used that natural human condition to exploit it in the classroom? What if we could eliminate the anxiety of going to school, the grammar, the vocabulary, etc.? In this interactive workshop, we will explore innovative strategies for shifting students’ focus from language mechanics to content understanding in a language-learning classroom. Recognizing that language proficiency varies among students, the aim is to equip educators with tools and techniques to foster an inclusive learning environment where the emphasis is on understanding and engaging with the content-related topics and themes, rather than language proficiency. The workshop will cover topics such as scaffolding techniques, visual aids, collaborative learning, and the use of technology to support a content-focused language instruction. Participants will engage in hands-on activities, discussions, and scenario-based problem-solving, leaving with practical strategies to implement in their classrooms. This workshop is ideal for educators seeking to enhance student engagement and promote equity in diverse learning environments.