A Journey Through Online
Language Learning
Progression > Independent Units
Things to consider
Progression in a language course consisting of independent units is more complex and less straightforward to describe when compared to, e.g., the linear approach. Independent units give the language teacher more freedom when developing materials and allow him or her to choose different topics or subjects for each unit. Because of this, independent units may be less appropriate for beginners courses where there is a general feeling that students need to progress through the more traditional basics of a language, such as grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and where a continuing theme or story line may give the beginning student more grip on the learning process.
The wholly online, tutor-supported Dutch language course Hogelands consists of ten independent units or lessons, which are divided into two blocks of each five lessons. This structure fits well with the topic and skills-based approach of the course. Every lesson has a different subject or topic (e.g. education, science, transport) but is structured in the same way. There is progression between the two blocks for what concerns the complexity of the topics (Block 2 contains a lesson on the Early Modern Dutch period, for example), the difficulty and length of the text and audio materials, and the number of activities students need to complete. The vocabulary and grammar explained in Block 1 is considered as known by students starting on the second block.
The lessons or units within each block are independent in the sense that, for example, a new word is explained each time it (re-)appears in the lessons of one block, as the lessons or units can be studied in any order or because a student may not study all the learning materials, for example all reading texts, of one lesson.
The main advantage for students and tutors of this approach is that it allows for choice, flexibility and focus on specific aspects or skills, also depending on the student group. This degree of flexibility is best achieved by courses which like Hogelands contain plenty of materials, not all of which will likely be covered by the tutor. Materials not covered by the tutor can be used by students for self-study, either for remedial or extension purposes, depending on their needs.
As the description of the structure of Hogelands suggests, student progression is therefore not that easy to define in set terms. Given the rather flexible nature of the course, progression also works on an individual level. The independent unit approach allows for choice on the part of the learner and tutor, even learning objectives can be individually defined, and these choices obviously influence what students learn and what progression they make.
- Do you want to develop a flexible course allowing for choice on your part and that of the student? Do you want to be able to focus on specific skills depending on your students’ needs? If your answer is ‘yes’, then the independent unit approach is probably suitable for your course.
- What is the level of your students? Is the ‘independent unit approach’ suitable for your intended public? A linear approach might be more appropriate for beginners.
Examples:
- Hogelands
- Polish Listening and Speaking
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