Methodology should be based on what we know about language (what it is and how it operates—still a matter of controversy); what we know about human beings (how they learn and how they learn language and whether these are different processes or merely different manifestations of the same process, another question still under investigation); and what we know about people in interaction (a prolific area of psychological study)....Teachers should keep in touch with findings in these areas and share the excitement of a developing and progressing discipline.
At this point the teacher takes over as a professional and as an individual with his or her own gifts, insights and preferences. First, teachers must know themselves and their strengths and weaknesses in interpersonal relations. 【A1】 Then they must know their students: who they are, what their aspirations are, how they learn as individuals. The teacher will find that the general attitudes of students fluctuate, not only from generation to generation or from decade to decade, but also, in a period of rapid change, almost from year to year. Senior high school and college students may still accept what their younger brothers and sisters are already rejecting. In an earlier period, for instance, with a more docile student population, it seemed possible to subordinate individual students to the efficient system for their own good, as seen by their teachers. 【A2】 Now the efficient system must be subordinated to individual learning preferences if there is to be a high quality of learning. This is a period of plurality of objectives and diversity of learning approaches.
【A3】 Teachers in this volatile period must understand how teaching and learning relate to each other and interact fruitfully, realizing that either can exist without the other. They must learn to teach in such a way that they do not interpose themselves between the learner and what is to be learned. 【A4】 They must accept and encourage a variety of learning styles allowing for differences in individuals. Some people learn more by the ear than the eye, others learn from printed texts; some learn from abstract reflection, some from concrete manipulation; some learn more slowly than others; some prefer to learn by themselves. 【A5】 And others prefer help, even direction, and need the stimulation of a group if they are to realize their potential. Foreign-language teachers for this generation must consider carefully how they can devise learning programs for types of students they did not ordinarily meet in their classes in an earlier period.
【A1】
Next the teachers need to know their students in details, including their background and personal experience,their goals and dream about life and also their own style and way of learning.
【A2】
On this period, in order to achieve a good learning result, every student’s will and intention in learning should be put at the first place and the surrounding education environment the second.
【A3】
During this period of change and uncertainty, the teachers need to know that teaching and learning can function well if they work together. Without the support of each other, they cannot exert its influence at all.
【A4】
There are differences among students and their way of learning is different. Teachers should show respect to these differences and help students adopt their own method of learning.
【A5】
For some students, they can only discover and make full use of their unrecognized abilities when others guide them, encourage them and even inspire them in teamwork.