Multithreaded Language Learning

In the article written by Robert A. Morrey title Multithreaded Language Learning: Students at Different Levels Working in One Classroom he goes on to discuss how he has created lesson plans that allow the students to work almost on their own and create their own lesson plans. He doesn't leave them hanging though. This is just on the technology part of the class. He does encourage the target language to be used in the classroom. This style was also used in an advance German class so it wouldn't be as effective in a beginning class due to the students already having a foundation. He uses technology such as the Internet, videos, news articles, CD's, books, audio-tapes, and many other forms of media to engage in learning and has assignments all geared around these medias. The students then have the freedom to learn about subject of their choice as long as they follow the guidelines of what is to be applied to the learning. He has presentations that they give, reports, summaries of what they learned all in the target language. The class he does this in is a 3rd and 4th year German class. They learn new vocabulary, customs, grammar, language skills, pronunciation, and many other aspects. This is taking the the traditional teaching role and allowing the students to learn about things that interest them while having the support and and guidance from the teacher. He stated that the interest of learning increases when he teaches in this manner and allows all students to find materials at their level of learning.

Food for Thought Questions

1. What if you are from a lower S.E.S. school how would you go about doing this?

You may not have that many computers but I'm sure their is one. You can use Newpapers, Cassettes along with your one computer as well as a VCR. Where there is a will their is a way.

2. Would you recommend groups? 

Groups could be good or bad. It might allow for to much group noise (distraction) and they may not allows be communicating in the target language. A pro could be group cohesion if they did it using the foreign language. They would be able to learn from one another and well as build socialization skills using the foreign language.