Search

Charles A. Curran has developed a radically different type of language learning by dealing with the learners as a group rather than as a class. The social learning relationships of a class differ from a group in the contract, the social milieu, in the relationships between the teacher and students, and among the students themselves. Curran called this approach "Community Language Learning" (CLL). CLL is student-centered language learning which takes place in supportive group experience and reflection. This method was used to teach English to students in a Japanese educational situation both in the classroom and in extracurricular activities over a three-year period (1971-1974). The major finding was that CLL is adaptable to Japanese culture. Three reasons are given: (1) if affective problems connected with language learning are handled and solved, the cognitive aspects of language are more easily dealt with; (2) CLL group activity fits into the educational and cultural traditions of Japan; and (3) CLL language learning relies upon reflection, part of the cultural heritage of Japan. (Author/CFM)