Language Experience Approach

Language Experience Approach

Definition: An activity in which a student’s oral (or written) telling of an experience is used as the text for demonstrating the process of revision as well as other aspects of reading and speaking.
Purposes:
  • To provide a personal connection to the learning
  • To identify different perspectives
  • To identify weaknesses in verbal communication
  • To instruct revision practices
Example A (Individual):

Step 1. The students participate in a shared experience BEFORE this activity (e.g., a field trip, making a group diorama for a class, preparing a bulletin board or skit in class, etc.) NOTE: Basically, any group project can be used as this “shared experience”.

Step 2. The student should recall the experience orally, while the instructor records the experience in writing. (Variations can include asking the students to write down their own first draft.)

Step 3. Ask questions and provide suggestions for revision. Coax the student to provide more details, organize the chronology, and/or provide transitions between events in the story.

Step 4. Review the revisions. Provide advice and instructions as needed. Repeat this step as many times as needed.

Example B (Group):

Step 1. Same as Example A.

Step 2. The group will orally recount the experience. The teacher will record the retelling over a projector (creating a shared Google Doc).

Step 3. The teacher will guide students in revising the story; however, the group must reach consensus on how to change the story.

Step 4. Review the revision and provide necessary instructions. Repeat the process as necessary.

More details can be could at The Center for Applied Linguistics website.  



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