Knowledge divides into descriptive knowledge/memory and procedural knowledge/memory.
Descriptive memory knowledge/memory means memorizing knowledge consciously, such as reading books or learning words. Procedure memory knowledge/memory means memorizing knowledge unconsciously, such as exercising or playing musical instruments.
If we apply this memory or understanding of learning to English learning, what is the secret to being good at English?
The answer is that training is required to transform descriptive knowledge into procedural knowledge. The method is as follows. First, Make sure to practice by making sounds loudly. Second, Repeat until the body remembers. Lastly, To practice by contents, you are interested in
Let’s look at education in two countries, Finland and Korea. How is the English environment in Finland different from the English environment in Korea?
In Korea, they learn English with the way of descriptive knowledge/memory and mainly based on grammar and memorizing words. Positive feelings about learning English are low because there are tests at schools that produce much stress. In Finland, they learn English with the way of procedural knowledge/memory and mainly based on speaking and listening. Positive feelings about learning English are high because of Less stress due to no tests in schools.
Then, what is the secret to the success of Finnish English education? The factors could be considered as follows. First, Exposing students to English surroundings, such as in schools, TV programs. Second, English speaking and listening-oriented education. Third, Utilizing methods, such as computer programs, to maintain interest in learning English. Lastly, there are no tests.
Is it reasonable to follow Just the English education in Finland? There are some potential obstacles to applying the way to Korea. There are three obstacles. First, Stress-induced testing. Second, Exposure to the English environment is limited.
In Finland, education, entertainment, TV, and radio are in English. Thus, much Exposure to English is secured. In Korea, entertainment, TV, and radio, except education, are not in English. So the Exposure to English is smaller than that of Finland.
From these facts, we can see some points.
First, positive emotions help us learn foreign languages.
Second, the environment has a significant impact on learning foreign languages, but it is not a decisive factor in speaking foreign languages.
Third, whether we acquire a mother tongue or learn foreign languages, practice and repetition are inevitable.
thumbnail – https://medium.com/@parallel38/the-most-korean-country-in-europe-9ce17209dd25
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