ab+initio+guidance


 * **Use the language for communication**. Give priority to developing a natural use of the target language that emphasizes fluency as well as accuracy.
 * **Debate meaning**. Focus on meaning—this may be when language is the tool for communication in social interactions, or when the language itself is being studied.
 * **Show how form affects meaning**. Focus on form as it relates to meaning. Form includes an awareness of grammatical and textual features related to meaning. Appropriate corrective feedback relevant to learners’ needs and to maintaining a balance of fluency and accuracy is important here.
 * **Provide maximum exposure to the language**. Use the target language whenever possible. For example, using the target language as the medium of instruction vastly increases learners’ ability to comprehend.
 * **Learn phrases or “chunks”**. Provide chunks of formulaic language for rote learning in the early stages of language acquisition, as well as developing competence through the understanding of language rules.
 * **Encourage students to use the language actively**. Provide varied and extensive opportunities for learners to practise and work with the target language through both oral and written tasks.
 * **Encourage students to interact in the target language**. Provide opportunities for interaction in the target language so that learners have practice in using authentic dialogue. Task-focused, small-group work is an effective strategy for this.
 * **Introduce language appropriate to students’ current level**. Ensure that the target language being taught is at a level compatible with the learners’ development. In this way new learning is effectively constructed upon prior knowledge.
 * **Address each student’s individual needs**. Ensure that teaching takes into consideration the differences between individual learners. This includes planning and differentiation for different learning styles, motivation, aptitude and stages of learning.
 * **Assess students’ full range of abilities**. Ensure assessment is comprehensive. It should value and address the free production of the target language, as well as controlled production.

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