How do we apply the social method in the classroom?

We as teachers have several keys to using this strategy in the classroom, such as working through role-plays and simulations, project-based learning, and real materials.

First of all, we must not forget that in order to carry out this strategy in the classroom we must create an appropriate and specific climate, in which the pupils feel integrated in the classroom and confident to practice with the foreign language.

Role-plays help us to enable learners to simulate experiences where language is used in a realistic context, role-plays make practice and creativity more common in the classroom.

Project-based learning as we already know, students will have to research, and teachers will have to present the foreign language we want to use, so we allow the knowledge of the foreign language to be in a meaningful context.

We must bear in mind that all these activities should have a playful approach so that the pupils do not think that the foreign language subject will be of no use to them and that when the time comes to teach this subject they will look forward to it, instead of thinking that it is one of the most complicated subjects at school.

Finally, real material helps students learn the foreign language by being involved in situations they may encounter in their daily lives, using films, news and even social networks, so that they can get to know different accents and become accustomed to them.

 We should never forget that foreign language social strategies are one of the most important strategies for learners to become proficient in language competence. It fosters intrinsic motivation, cultural knowledge of that language and effective communication for real-life situations.

Teacher Jimena