Korean Job Discussion Forums

[jjurabong]

A student of mine asked for my opinion on a korean website which promotes listening comprehension. (tempos.co.kr).

The theory behind the website is that the recordings are played at super-fast speed 3 or 4 times at first. ( This was so fast that I couldn't even understand some of the items.) Then the recording is played at normal speed. The idea behind this is that the fast speed will stop the student from mentally translating, as they don't have time, but can only let the words "wash" over them, picking up a few key words in preparation for the regular-speed listening.

My question to you, particulary those who have done study in this field: Is there any legitimacy to this idea? Anything in the research to support the high-speed thing, or is it just a gimmick?

Thanks for your input.

[ddeubel]

Interesting hypothesis.

My own opinion is like most in language teaching.......if it works, it works. Each person is unique and even more so when it comes to learning language.

That is precisely why whole language does work, as a classroom teaching model. It leaves the most leeway for everyone to get what they think works, out of the lesson.

I do think this might work with those that 1) have some particular problem with always translating and can't stop it consciously. 2 ) that have the time to do this often and repeatedly. Not just as a once in awhile thing.

The key I think with listening, is that it isn't a passive thing or an end point. Not just what is the main point? But rather what does this MEAN? Comprehension must go into understanding for the language to be learnt. Otherwise it is just like a horse scratching out an addition problem in the dirt....

DD

[jjurabong]

DD,

Thanks for your thoughts. You are such a helpful poster.