Language enhancement through 21st century language camps: A case study in Malaysian Polytechnics
List of Authors
Adlena Hany Abu Adam , Marina Abu Bakar
Keyword
communication, enjoyable, self-development, 21st century learning, outdoor
Abstract
In the 21st Century classroom, educators create productive environments for students to develop the skills needed at the workplace and play the role of a facilitator rather than a teacher. Lessons are students-centred and higher order thinking skills, knowledge of technology and effective communication skills are among the new skills focused on, through the application of collaborative project –based curriculum. Students should be able to use skills obtained in interdisciplinary subjects to fulfil specific objectives. Textbooks and reference books from the library are no longer the only source of information. Instead, technology, internet, and various sources are ample and readily available. Hence, it is hoped that the 21st century classroom will produce creative, productive, and effective communicators. Aspects of the 21st century classroom can easily be extended to outdoor activities such as language camps, to provide students with language and social skills that is much needed. When spontaneity is unavoidable, students will have to jump in the deep end and communicate in whatever means possible. Hence, imitating peers and peer correction will encourage incidental learning to occur. This paper shares feedback of students and lecturers who had undergone language camps that applied the LEC model which is believed to be the 21st century language camp. Feedback obtained from participants also showed that students enjoyed the language camps and were not afraid to make mistakes as it provided an informal setting for learning hence, less stress.
Reference
1. Aswad, Muhammad. (2017). The Effectiveness English Camp, A model in Learning English as the second language.
2. Characteristics of a 21st Century Classroom (2008). Retrieved April 16, 2019, fromhttp://woulibrary.wou.edu.my/weko/eed502/Characteristics_of_a_21st_Century_Classroom.pdf
3. Four Essential Rules of 21st Century Learning (2019, June 8) by Teach Thought Staff. Retrieved April 7, 2019, from https://www.teachthought.com/learning/4-essential-rules-of-21st-century-learning
4. Genesee, Fred. (1985). Second Language Learning Through Immersion: A Review of U.S Programs, Review of Education Research Winter, Vol.55, No. 4, 541-5610.
5. Language Policy Unit, Strasbourg, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment. Retrieved April 16, 2019, from http://www.coe.int/lang-CEFR
6. McNamara (1995). Policy and Practice in Bilingual Education: A Reader Extending the Foundations, Multilingual Matters Ltd.,125.
7. Parent Study Suggests Strategies for Effective Use of Camp Research. Retrieved April 15, 2019, from http://www.ontariocampsassociation.ca/article-parent-study-suggests-strategies-for-effective-use-of-camp-research/
8. Schutz, Ricardo. (2014). Stephen Krashen’s Theory of Second Language Acquisition. Retrieved April 7, 2019, from http://www.sk.com.br/sk-krash.html