Nature, Art & Language concept diagram (from Genet, 2010)Nature Art and Language is a language teaching method developed to enhance student performance while raising awareness of pressing global problems. Teachers and students can feel that by using this method they are making a difference; that is, that they are part of the solution rather than the problem. This technique conforms to Sustained Content Teaching for academic ESL, Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) and Experiential Education.
The subject that will lead discussion is the study of the connections between the arts and sciences. This includes what the arts reveal about ourselves, and the way we relate to others and our surroundings. It also entails the social responsibility of scientists and the scientist's role in greater society. To this end there is a section on applied ethics and international relations. This course aims to conform to the UNESCO 1974 Recommendations of International Co-operation and Understanding.
It is hoped that during the debates and discussions that students will 'forget' that they are communicating in English and simply focus on the transmission of ideas. Error correction and grammar will be fed in at appropriate moments not to break up the flow of communication either at the end of the lesson or in tutorials.
The methodology proposed is largely founded on Stephen Krashen's notions of language learning and acquistion. Here most acquisition occurs during moments of 'authentic communication'. The challenge for teachers is to provide opportunties that elicit this.
The course is appropirate for students taking the TOEFL examination. It is therefore adapted for students with a intermediate to advanced level.
© All Copyright, 2007, Ray Genet
