INTERCULTURAL TRAINERS KIT

INTERCULTURAL TRAINERS KIT
FOR MIGRANTS’ EDUCATORS

Promoting mutual understanding and cultural dialogue

Teaching techniques: Simulations of real life situations (Discouraging factor #1)

Factor # 1: Language and communication barriers 

The method for learning a foreign language by simulating real life situations enables the learners to communicate effectively and appropriately in various everyday life situations they would be likely to find themselves in. During the lessons, students learn useful phrases and sayings, which they can apply straight away in real life situations outside the classroom. The participants are given tasks, which require the solving of a problem of some kind using their own life experience and character.

Simulations are useful, motivating, engaging activities, which provide incentives for learners to use the language they are learning in practical and meaningful situations. This practical aspect provided by the method of simulating real life situation is very useful for all learners of foreign languages, but it is especially important for migrants learning languages, because such lessons can provide them not only with the language skills, but also with knowledge of the culture, traditions and the country itself, whose language they are learning.

This kind of non-formal way of learning not only decreases the stress of learners and creates a more relaxed atmosphere for communicating and learning, but also offers opportunities for meaningful practice of language skills in authentic contexts. Consequently this could result in more efficient progress and personal satisfaction in the process of language learning.