Whole Language Approach

Question 1

WLA Definition

Answer 1

Method concerned with the teaching of language arts, reading and writing in the native language

Question 2

WLA Developer

Answer 2

The term Whole Language was created in the 1980s by a group of U.S. educators.

Question 3

WLA Characteristics

Answer 3

1) Emphasizes learning to read and write naturally with a focus on real communication.
2) It is an approach based on key principles about language (language is whole) and learning.

Question 4

WLA Approach

Answer 4

1) Views language organization from an interactional perspective
2) Views language psycholinguistics as a vehicle for internal interaction
3) The learning theory is in the humanistic and constructivist schools.

Question 5

Views language organization from an interactional perspective

Answer 5

This perspective is a social one that views language as a vehicle for human communication

Question 6

Views language psycholinguistics as a vehicle for internal interaction

Answer 6

We use language to think: In order to discover what we know, we sometimes write, perhaps talk to a friend.

Question 7

The learning theory is in the humanistic and constructivist schools.

Answer 7

Constructivist learning theory holds that knowledge is socially constructed rather than received or discovered.

Question 8

WLA Principles

Answer 8

1) Focus on real and natural events
2) Writing as a process through which explore and discover meaning
3) Integration of reading, writing, and other skills
4) Use of authentic literature

Question 9

WLA Teacher’s Role

Answer 9

1) Facilitator and an active participant in the learning community
2) Creates a climate that will support collaborative learning

Question 10

WLA Student’s Role

Answer 10

1) Collaborator with fellow students, teachers and writers of texts
2) Evaluators of their own learning
3) Selectors of learning materials

Question 11

WLA Materials

Answer 11

Use of real-world materials rather than commercial texts

Question 12

WLA Classroom features

Answer 12

1) The use of literature
2) The use of process writing
3) Encouragement of cooperative learning among students
4) Concern for students’ attitude

Question 13

WLA Activities

Answer 13

1) Individual and small group reading and writing
2) Ungraded dialogue journals
3) Writing portfolios
4) Writing conferences
5) Student-made books
6) Story writing

Question 14

WLA Conclusions

Answer 14

1) WLA is an approach to learning that sees language as a whole entity
2) Each language teacher is free to implement the approach according to his needs
3) Relevant to learners’ lives and needs