Publication details
Simulation as a Strategy for Enhancing Learner Autonomy in Developing Communicative Competence in ESP
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| Year of publication | 2017 |
| Type | Chapter of a book |
| MU Faculty or unit | |
| Citation | |
| Description | This paper looks at learning by performing practical tasks, which positively affects learners’ cognitive skills and gives them hands-on experience in the development of both communicative and social skills. Simulation as an instructional technique in foreign language teaching possesses high potential for developing both of these sets of skills. As it embodies the principles of communicative language teaching, it works well if it becomes a regular component of the language learning process. What is more, it increases learner motivation by making students feel in control of their own learning and enables to see the practical application of what they are learning. As a result, a simulation can be a powerful tool for supporting learner autonomy. The paper discusses the structure and design of simulations, offers suggestions concerning the ways of testing and evaluating learners’ performance in simulation tasks, and provides practical examples of simulations that can be used to foster autonomous learning of tertiary nursing and paramedic students. |