With the advancement of globalization, more and more parents are sending their children to study abroad, and studying at a younger age has become an increasingly popular choice. Especially in a multicultural country like Singapore, children can not only be exposed to different cultures, but also learn multiple languages.
However, children studying in Singapore at a younger age usually need to adapt to the language and culture in a new environment, which is a concern for many parents. Mr. Starry speaks to new students in Singapore about the language learning strategies and methods that are applicable to younger students in Singapore, to help children adapt to the new environment faster and better.
Before introducing language learning strategies and methods, we need some preparatory knowledge. The fundamentals of language acquisition and the factors affecting it are very important. The basic principle of language acquisition is to receive linguistic stimuli in an appropriate environment, and to gradually master language by accumulating and repeatedly using vocabulary and grammar.
Singapore Language Learning Strategies
Language learning strategies are the behavioral or cognitive approaches that students adopt when learning a language. Types of language learning strategies include cognitive strategies, metacognitive strategies and social strategies. The following are the language learning strategies that are applicable to children in the younger age group studying abroad, especially in a multilingual country like Singapore:
Repetition and imitation
Repetition and imitation is a very effective language learning strategy. When children learn a new language, let them repeat and imitate after the teacher’s pronunciation. Through constant repetition and imitation, children can better master the correct pronunciation and intonation, thus improving their oral expression.
Visual Learning
Visual learning is a very important language learning strategy, especially for younger children studying abroad. When learning a new language, visual materials such as pictures and videos are shown to help children understand vocabulary and grammatical structures, thus deepening memory and understanding.
Listening Practice
Listening is an important part of language learning, and it is especially important for younger children studying abroad. Children can improve their listening skills by listening to stories, songs, and the radio. Parents can also use various listening resources, such as listening practice software and audio learning websites, to help children improve their listening skills.
Exchange practice
Communicative practice is an important language learning strategy that helps children to practice their expressive language skills in an authentic language environment. Children can join school language clubs, participate in local language and cultural activities, and communicate with local people. Meanwhile, parents can also have more oral communication with their children in their daily life.
In Singapore, students will learn English enhancement through different methods, whether in public schools or international schools. As an example, international schools in Singapore offer EAL (English as a Second Language) programs for their students, which are designed to help students who have less exposure to English, or who speak English as a second or third language, to better master both academic and everyday English, so that they can better integrate into the mainstream curriculum. It is important to note that there is no standardized syllabus and materials for EAL courses as the delivery and content of classes vary from school to school.
In contrast, the approach to English language training in Singapore government schools is different. Primary English education in Singapore has gone through three stages.
At first, the teaching content mainly consisted of vocabulary, sentence patterns, grammar and commonly used spoken dialogues, and it was difficult for students to achieve good results in such a learning style. In the early 1990s, the Ministry of Education introduced a new English education program, which proposed the use of reading instead of the traditional grammar-centered teaching mode, and added many English interest activities. Although this way of learning is interesting, it also has certain drawbacks because it emphasizes only the cultivation of reading ability to the neglect of grammar learning, which results in many students having a weak foundation in English.
In 2010, the Ministry of Education developed Strategies for English Language Learning and Reading (STELLAR) in order to implement the new English Education Program, which requires that English education in elementary schools focus on both formal language learning and reading. In order to implement this program, the Ministry of Education developed the Strategies for English Language Learning and Reading (STELLAR). The core idea of the program is that learning English should not only focus on language learning itself, but also let children learn the language through reading, that is, “walking on two legs”. Under this program, schools generally offer both language and reading classes, so that children learn to read as an essential skill.
