Natapon Kidrai 4436733 SCAL/M

SCLG 633 Aspects of English for Specific Purposes

Reflective Notebook January 30, 2002
Reflective Notebook

Audio-visual materials have been one important component in a

language learning classroom. Previously, they were thought to be a round
factor: not essentially needed in LL situations. But as far as the
technology has been growing fast that it brings about material
development, learners are then given more advantages in LL. The growth
of technology has brought many advantages to language learners. For
instance, learners watching a video tape recorded a LL classroom are able
to practice with themselves and view it as many times as they want.
Moreover, learners nowadays do not have to travel a long way to take a
course at one particular institution: video teleconferences are available.
The advantages are clear to the learners. Audio-visual material
provides better explanation for the learner. It captures the learners’
attention to center on the learning. It also gives control to the user –
teacher and learner – so that the user can wind it forward and backward
when there is an unclear or misunderstanding point. Moreover, it provides
much larger and deeper information – the use of the Internet. And it can
also be used in developing basic skills. It somehow reduces the anxiety of
the learners they hold against the teacher. All these are certainly made for
the learners. As I have mentioned before in the previous reflectives, I do
feel concerned about the role of the teacher, the learner, and the use of
material. It all depends on the learners if they can manage the use of the
material and provided opportunities in learning. As far as technology has
made material comfortable and accessible, the teacher and the learner
both have to be more active. I totally agree with the accessibility of
education and the growth of material development. The accessibility and
availability of materials make the LL situations easier to cope with. In
case there is a point the teacher is weak in, or he is not very clear in
explaining, he can use video or internet, and so on, to serve as a source of
learning.
Well, actually learning a language is not a very hard process. The
importance is whether the learners can retain the knowledge learnt. And I
think materials can be one factor that influences to retain knowledge.
There are, of course, many other factors involved with the knowledge
retention, for example, anxiety and motivation. But consider materials as
an important factor. We, as language practitioners, should consider to
what extent the materials can be most advantageous to the learners, no or
least disadvantages. Here, it again depends on the teacher. He must be
accurate in his role. For at one level, he is modeling to his students. At
another level, the students decide themselves what and who to follow.