Discussion on "Good" Language Learning

Consider the following scenario: you are teaching intermediate ESL writing to a group of twenty students--six and seventh graders from different first language backgrounds. They are interested in electronics and social media but not much else. Half of them have told you they hate English, or they hate writing, or they hate both. What strategies would you use to motivate them to learn?

Luckily, I have experience working with teenagers, and, I am all too familiar with this scenario. Teenagers these days are addicted to the internet, and it is not their fault. It is a sign of our, and, "their" times. So, instead of fighting their desire to participate in social media programs, I would find a way to make digital media useful, and instrumental in ELL. I would have them sign up for Twitter, and tweet, and connect with things they are interested in, in English.

I think social media is entertaining, interesting, and the reason why TESOL is in high demand for current and future generations. I think this would initiate more intrinsic motivation for student because they feel enjoyment, and can interact in English Also, I don't want students to hate English, and hate me, because teenagers look for anything to hate.

Also, I would promote internet games in the ESL classroom. I think the prizes and validation from the game challenge, will evoke extrinsic motivation.  To be sure, that all the student are not being totally sucked into the cyber world, I would limit internet use in the classroom. I could even use,  internet games access, as incentive, and a reward, to encourage students to work hard in class.

Some people are just not good at languages. Good language learners are born, not made. Language aptitude declines with age. I do not like, or agree with this comment.

I just interviewed a 32 year old, Brazilian, who did not begin speaking English, until she was 26. She is now, fluid and fluent, in speaking English. Her case shows that age does not effect a persons ability to acquire a second language. However, motivation does; she married her husband, who is American in 2004. Her Instrumental orientation to English, was falling in love with someone who speaks little of her native language. Her integrative orientation to English, was moving to the U.S. and submersing herself into an English community. She told me that, American's are very tolerant with speakers of another language, whereas, in Brazil, people are not as patient with newcomers. The tolerance of the American culture, was helpful and motivating to her L2 acquisition. 

So, the circumstances of the Russian, homemaker, and man in his twenties, are all capible of being a "good language learner," depending on motivation, intensity, quality, and effectiveness of their ELL course and their dedication. There are, of course, other factors that could hinder a persons L2 acquisition, such as, funding, previous educations, etc., but I think if someone is determined enough to totally submerse themselves into ELL, they will.