|6| The Language Learning Processes
<< BACKInput Input is everything you read and hear in English. It is not confined to the classroom. Activities like watching a film or a video, listening to music are also input.
Your input is critical
Make sure it satisfies the following criteria:
It is at the right level It is interesting There is the right balance between the four cardinals It is neither too much nor too little The right level?
This means that your materials must be a challenge. If it is too easy or too difficult you will lose interest. You should discuss the level with your teacher and/or take diagnostic tests. It is also a question of setting realistic goals.
Interesting?
Well, this has to do with your motivation. It is, of course, very personal. As a general rule you should try to find texts that are useful. Avoid things like simple love stories and action films. If you are doing physics you ought to find texts, tapes and videos that cover the areas you are studying. For social studies you can 'kill two birds with one stone'. You may satisfy your social studies teacher, and you may satisfy your English teacher's demand for realia.
Balance?
The four cardinals
listening reading writing If you are anxious about grades, you must make sure you know what is important for you and what is of lesser importance. You must learn to take strategic decisions. Again we want to stress the need for individual dialogue with you teacher.
You must get to know your strengths and your weaknesses. Find out whether it pays to work on your weaknesses or whether it pays to develop your strengths further!
Too much?
Again, pardon the expression, a dialogue with your teacher!
