The Lexical Approach
Regina Jirankova
Regina Jirankova
One small step for the teacher,
one giant leap for the learner
This is only a (very) brief introduction to
lexical approach.
My intention is not to give an overview of
lexical approach, which would be
impossible within such a short time
limit but to create your interest and to
make you think about a slightly different
approach to teaching a language.
The principles of the Lexical Approach
have been around since Michael
Lewis published 'The Lexical
Approach' 19 years ago. It seems,
however, that many teachers and
researchers do not have a clear idea
of what the Lexical Approach actually
looks like in practice. Do you?
What?
Why?
Where?
When?
How?
What is lexical approach?
Some of the key principles:
• A central element of language teaching is
raising students‘ awareness of, and developing
their ability to “chunk“ language successfully.
• Grammar as a structure is subordinate to lexis.
• Task and process, rather than exercise and
product are emphasised.
• PPP is replaced by OHE.
• Reformulation is a way of responding to error.
Do you agree?
Native speakers have a vast stock of lexical
chunks which are vital for fluent production.
Fluency depends mainly on having rapid
access to these chunks.
Teachers should spend more time helping
learners develop and activate their stock of
phrases.
Let‘s look at the introduction:
The principles of the Lexical Approach
have been around since Michael
Lewis published 'The Lexical
Approach' 19 years ago. It seems,
however, that many teachers and
researchers do not have a clear idea
of what the Lexical Approach actually
looks like in practice.
Chunks and collocations
All the highlighted parts are fixed or
set phrases, chunks of language
which are commonly found together
and add to conveying the message
successfully.
Cohesion/coherence
What is the appropriate answer?
How are you?
- ___________
Can you come tomorrow?
– No, ________
Would you like a cup of tea?
– Yes, ______ /No. _________
Do you mind if I open the window?
– No, ___________
When?
Lexical approach seems to be favoured
with pre-school and primary school
children (he is jumping, the car is red) or
beginners (Where are you from?, What‘s
your name?) but we tend to slide to
grammar syllabus as students move to
higher levels.
Some principles of lexical approach
• Focus on receptive skills, especially
on listening
• OHE – observe, hypothesize,
experiment
• Noticing, awareness raising, practice
• Redirecting students‘ attention to
the chunks of language
• Many grammar mistakes are caused
by lexical deficiency
• Grammar is taught as a receptive skill
• Reformulation should be the natural
response to student error
(=responding to contents rather than
language)
BUT: Don‘t throw the baby out with
the bath water
Practical tips:
Beginners/Elementary:
• Greetings
• Would you like….?
• Do you mind if I…….?
• It‘s your turn!
Intermediate
What are they
doing?
He is
cooking
dinner.
She is
watching
him.
Use might/can‘t/must
The man _______________________
dinner.
The woman ____________ his wife.
She ___________
He __________
Any level:
Advanced
A healthy diet is one that helps maintain or improve
general health. It is important for lowering many
chronic health risks, such as obesity, heart
disease,diabetes, hypertension and cancer.[1] A healthy
diet involves consuming appropriate amounts of
all essential nutrients and an adequate amount
of water. Nutrients can be obtained from many
different foods, so there are numerous diets that may
be considered healthy. A healthy diet needs to have a
balance of macronutrients (fats, proteins, and
carbohydrates), calories to support energy needs, and
micronutrients to meet the needs for human
nutrition without inducing toxicity or excessive weight
gain from consuming excessive amounts.
Demi Moore is reportedly being treated for anorexia.
The 49-year-old actress - who filed for divorce from
Ashton Kutcher, her husband of six years, in
November, after he was accused of cheating on her was rushed to hospital on Monday night (23.01.12)
and is said to be seeking professional help for the
eating disorder after her weight plummeted in recent
weeks.
An insider told RadarOnline.com: "She collapsed after
having an epileptic seizure. Demi is in getting treated
for anorexia, as well as other issues that caused her
seizure.
"She has not taken care of her health at all lately and
has lost a lot of weight."
Distancing:
• (would)
seem, appear,
• the passive (it is said, has been
announced…)
• apparently, according to
• may,might
Vocabulary cards
Reformulation
• is an error correction technique. In reformulation, the
teacher repeats what the learner has said but correctly,
without drawing attention explicitly to the error itself.
This technique offers a correct example of relevant
language to a learner, at a time when the learner may
be ready to notice the difference between what they
say, and the correct version.
• Example
The learner says 'I have been to the swimming pool last
week'. The teacher replies 'You went to the swimming
pool last week? So did I'.
… and the last two collocations for
today: