This document discusses contextualizing language instruction. It defines contextualizing as using language for real communicative purposes within a given situation or context. It suggests that teachers can contextualize instruction by organizing curriculum around themes and topics and using authentic materials and activities that require real communication, like role-plays. This helps students understand how language is constructed and used differently depending on the situation. The document provides examples of contextualizing strategies and materials that could be used in the classroom.

1. CONTEXTUA
LIZING
LANGUAGE
SANTY REQUEJOSALDAÑA
santynaoo7@hotmail.com
srequejo23@gmail.com
www.tipsforteachers-santy.blogspot.com05/10/2013Santyna 2013

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3. Objectives
O To create an understanding of the need
for contextualizing language
O To suggest ideas for realizing those
concepts in the language classroom
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5. The meaning of
language depends on
where it occurs and
what the speaker
wants people to
understand.
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6. CONTEXTUALIZING
LANGUAGE
O It is the meaningful use of Language for real
communicative purposes.
O It helps students understand how language
users construct Language in a given context.
O Teachers can contextualize L instruction by
organizing the contents of the L curriculum
according to themes or topics.
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ANA:We can leave the ice here till we
need it.
BOB:It`s warm in here.
ANA:Is it? OK,then, let`s find
somewhere else.

8. O Where does the conversation take place?
O What is Ana`s /Bob`s tone of voice?
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Native speakers understand the
answers BUT what about OUR
learners?

9. How do we determine the
appropriate language to use?
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The situation or environment in which
language is used.

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11. It refers to meaningful language use for
communicative purposes within a given
situation or context.
 “real” world language use
 How language is used by speakers of that
language
 Construct language in student`s learning
environments
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12. Students need to learn how to
CONSTRUCT language for a given
situation.
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Cognitive
aspect
Social
aspect

13. VARIABLES
COMMUNICATOR`S PURPOSE
ROLES AND STATUS
SOCIALLY ACCEPTABLE NORMS
OF BAHAVIOR AND INTERACTION
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TEACHER`S RESPONSIBILITY
To provide
useful,
accurate and
comprehensive
input
To design
language
learning activities
that facilitate
language
construction
To provide support
for learners`efforts

15. Let`s compare these contexts (situations).
How might language differ?
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16. Why contextualize L?
it helps learners understand the function
(purpose) of language
it assists learners in developing appropriate
use of language
It makes language more meanigful in THAT
CONTEXT
It adds the cultural element, combining
language and culture
It is communicative
It engages learners in real-world scenarios05/10/2013Santyna 2013

17. Your turn.
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Create a short
dialogue.
Consider context

18. VIDEO ANALYSIS
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ACTIVITY TOPIC LANGUAGE
LEVEL
MATERIALS
SOURCE: Shapping the way we teach
English

20. Strategies for contextualizing L
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Activate students`prior background
knowledge
Use authentic materials
Use roleplays,projects,problem-
solving tasks,puzzles

21. Type of curriculum
CONTENT-BASED CURRICULUM
THEME-BASED CURRICULUM
 AUTHENTIC MATERIALS
 AUTHENTIC ACTIVITIES THAT
REQUIRE “REAL” COMMUNICATION
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brochures
Tourism web sites
List of hotels or
restaurants
Make a list of
businesses

24. VIDEO DISCUSSION
You will see examples of different kinds of
authentic materials used in different
classroom settings:
O Describe the materials that you see
O How were they used?
O Do you think the use of them were
important? Why or why not?
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25. Let`s reflect
O In groups brainstorm a list of authentic materials
that could be used in YOUR classroom
O What are some activities you could do with those
materials?
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materials activities
 Pictures of daily
activities
 Describe what people
are doing using the
present continuous

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materials activities
 Pictures of daily
activities
 Describe what people
are doing using the
present continuous

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28. Why use role plays?
O Allow for meaningful interaction in the target
language
O Give language a purpose
O Allow practice of grammar and vocabulary in a
contextualized setting
O Provide opportunities to practice
communication/fluency
O Give students the confidence to use language
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29. Let`s roleplay the following situations.
How might language differ?
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30. What did we learn?
O Language is MORE meaningful if we
understand the context
O CONTEXT can be understood through:
*activating Ss`background knowledge
*using authentic materials
*using roleplays
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31. RESOURCES:
O Shapping the way we teach English
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Adapted by Santy Requejo Saldaña