This
program uses a self-instructional method for language learning.
The major responsibility belongs to students, who work with
a drill instructor who is a native speaker of the target language.
There are 2 hours of drills a week, in small tutorials, usually
3 to 5 students
The
University of Maine is a member of NASILP (National Association
of Self-Instructional Language Programs), a coordinating and
consulting entity founded in the 1970s. The method used is
loosely based on the one used by the Foreign Service Institute.
It is effective because it requires active, committed learning
by students. At the early stages of language acquisition, the
most important thing is to practice, to over learn material,
to have accurate linguistic models, and to have appropriate,
adequate materials. The Critical Languages Program has all
of these features.
What
do you learn in this program?
The focus of the self-instructional method is oral proficiency. While it is
true that many of the languages we offer have writing manuals and it is expected
that students will make full use of these manuals, This supplementary work
is for the purpose of developing speaking competency. This means extensive
oral/audio practice. Students must listen to tapes or CDs and speak aloud,
as well as attend drill sessions, in order to achieve the level of fluency
appropriate for each level. Writing is very important, but when not accompanied
by oral work, it is not sufficient to learn to speak. The only exception is
the Written Japanese course, which was added at the request of spoken Japanese
students and utilizes materials fully coordinated with the spoken component.
Why
does this method work?
The acquisition of a language other than one's first language is a complex
process, but it can be done. Research shows that language learners must be
active participants in the process. It may seem necessary to have the grammar
explained at every step, but adult learners can obtain a good part of this
information from well-designed texts. What everybody needs is accurate, controlled,
and frequent feedback in response to their performance. Students in Critical
languages must come to class prepared to speak, meaning that they have read
and listened to the material for several hours. Drill instructors should use
the target language exclusively, and consistently correct errors in the learners' speech.
Time is spent very efficiently because the groups are small, there is careful
attention to linguistic performance, and the guidance is personalized.
Why
choose this method instead of the "traditional" classroom?
There is no single way to learn a language, just as there is no single type
of learner. This program may not work for everybody, but it can work for almost
everyone who truly wishes to learn a given language. An important factor is
the motivation of the individual, because there is no policing of the class
through specific exams or written assignments. This does not make the course
easier or watered down; rather, it signifies that the student is responsible
for his or her progress. Nonetheless, the weekly sessions are vital to learning,
because the constant feedback aids in self-assessment. Essentially, this means
that while one can speak of self-instruction, it is still necessary to work
with a human being and with materials of different sorts if fluency is to be
achieved. Multimedia can enhance the process, but cannot, as yet, replace the
human component of language learning. At the same time, learning the rules
of the grammar is fine, but without the proper form and amount of practice,
this does not transfer to fluency.
Which
languages are offered?
We can offer almost any language if there are at least 2 or 3 students. We
do need some time to make the necessary arrangements and obtain the materials,
however. If you do not see your language listed, please feel free to ask about
the possibility of organizing a class.
Which
levels are offered?
All the languages can be offered to the 6th semester if there is sufficient
enrollment. We do try to accommodate smaller groups at the higher levels, because
there is a commitment to language study which we feel should be honored.
How
is each course graded?
There are no grades throughout the semester. However, 10% of the final grade
will be based on attendance, to be kept by the drill instructor. During finals
week an examination of 20 - 30 minutes is held with an outside examiner. Grades
are usually available within 48 hours. Incompletes are given only under extraordinary
circumstances. By signing the permission form, students certify that they have
read the program description and agree with the course format. If a person
stops attending sessions or does not appear for the final exam, a failing grade
is assigned, just as in other classes.
Semester
schedule information
Week 1: permissions granted and schedules collected
Week 2: drill sessions begin
Final 2 weeks: oral exams arranged
Finals week: oral final
During
pre-registration and/or at the beginning of the semester students
request permission by completing the form at the end of this
orientation form. Permission is granted only when this information
is received, because we need to have a way of contacting you
and because we use the schedule information to begin setting
up drill session times. Sessions meet 2 hours per week. Prior
to each session, students should learn the material completely.
Questions about grammar should not be asked during the drills
because this takes away from the time allotted to practice
in the target language and because it can lead to a lower level
of preparation before sessions. Attendance, even though 2 hours
may not seem like a lot of time, is absolutely vital to success.
Preparation
through self-study may average 10 - 15 hours per week, plus
the class time. This is not a short-cut to learning a language
and it is not easier, but it does work.
How
to register (NB: permission required!)
- Contact
the Director (Kathleen March) via phone, fax, e mail (preferred
means), in person, or by regular postal mail.
- Read
program information in hard copy or electronic form. Complete
the portion that is required and submit to the Director.
- Retrieve
permission from her via hard copy (if contacting in person)
or e mail. The permission is simultaneously e mailed to CED
registrations so that the Continuing Education Division knows
you are now allowed to register.
- Register
through CED. You should be able to do this either by phone
(207-581-3242) or via FirstClass, by fax, or by going directly
to Chadbourne Hall, Room #122. IVR will not work for registering.
What
about texts and other materials?
Please obtain textbooks under the MLC 190 tag at the UMaine bookstore (207-581-1700).
A few of the texts have tapes bundled with them; the rest do not, and the tapes
should be obtained at the Language Laboratory, 213 Little Hall. Hours are posted
on the door or call 207-581-2076/2073. You may bring your own 90-minute (recycled)
tapes or purchase blanks at $2.00 + tax. You may reuse a single tape for the
whole semester or choose to get the whole set of tapes, as you prefer.
What
or how much material is covered?
A Critical Language course should cover the same amount of material as in a
traditional classroom. Sometimes it may cover more. Drill instructors are expected
to maintain an appropriate speed and level of performance.
A
final word about language learning in general:
Learning a language is like learning to play a musical instrument or becoming
a skilled athlete: in all of these activities, you must perform and to perform
well you need to prepare extensively beforehand. Imagine coming to a concert
or even a play without knowing the music or your lines! And no athlete gets
to play in a sporting event without having gone to training sessions.
You
must be an active participant in the process; do not expect
the native speaker to do the talking for you - after all, he
already knows the language and you are the one who needs to
acquire it. There really are no shortcuts or simple ways to
be a successful language leaner, yet everyone's brain is wired
for this. You need not have had experience prior to the course
- just have a clear goal of what you want to and can accomplish.
