Event-Centric English Language Learning

Janpha Thadphoothon

Learning English doesn't have to be boring! In fact, one of the most exciting ways to pick up new words and expressions is by tying them to interesting events, news stories, or popular topics.  In this post - or rather a blog article, I would like to entertain you with a new method for learning English and I would like to call it an event-centric English language learning method.  Let's dive into why this method works so well and how you can make the most of it.

Why Event-Based Learning Works

I would like to name this method 'Event-Centric Language Learning.' But you can call it 'Even-based Language Learning.' 

Imagine you're trying to improve your English skills, and the hot topic everyone is talking about is 'climate change.' Instead of flipping through a traditional textbook, you decide to explore this topic through newspapers, blogs, and social media. Here's why it's a smart move:

1. Relevance: When you learn words and phrases in the context of real-life events, they become more meaningful and memorable. For example, as you read about climate change, you might encounter terms like 'global warming,' 'carbon footprint,' or 'renewable energy.' These words aren't just abstract concepts; they're directly related to what's happening in the world around you.

2. Engagement: Let's face it – reading a dry textbook can feel like a chore. But when you're delving into a topic that genuinely interests you, learning becomes fun! Whether it's a breaking news story, a viral meme, or a trending hashtag, events capture our attention and keep us engaged.

3. Contextual Learning: Context is key to understanding language. By learning words within the context of an event or story, you gain insight into how they're used in real conversations. This deepens your understanding and helps you use the words more accurately in your own speech and writing.

Two Events

There are broadly speaking two types of events: Personal and External. They may be related. External Events are those that occur within society, such as Christmas, Songkran, and Loy Krathong. Internal or Personal Events are specific to you, such as your birthday, graduation day, and anniversaries.

You can capitalize on both types of events according to your needs and preferences. For instance, you can compile vocabulary and idioms related to the Olympics or words associated with your birthdays. These methods prove to be effective in learning English as a second or foreign language. 

Examples:

External Events:

Christmas: reindeer, Santa Claus, mistletoe, festive

Songkran: water festival, traditional, splashing, cultural

Loy Krathong: floating lanterns, riverbanks, candlelit, celebration

Internal or Personal Events:

Birthday: cake, balloons, presents, candles

Graduation Day: cap and gown, diploma, ceremony, commencement

Anniversary: love, commitment, memories, special occasion

Practical Tips for Event-Based Learning

Ready to give event-centric English learning a try? Here are some practical tips to get you started:

1. Follow Current Events: Keep up with the latest news stories, trends, and happenings in English-speaking countries. Whether it's politics, sports, entertainment, or science, there's always something new to explore.

2. Diversify Your Sources: Don't limit yourself to just one type of media. Mix it up by reading newspapers, watching videos, listening to podcasts, and interacting on social media. Each source offers a unique perspective and vocabulary to learn from.

3. Take Notes and Review Regularly: As you come across new words and expressions, jot them down in a notebook or digital document. Review your notes regularly to reinforce your learning and track your progress over time.

4. Use Language Learning Apps: Many language learning apps offer lessons and exercises based on current events. Take advantage of these resources to practice your English skills in a fun and interactive way.

Putting It into Practice

Let's put event-based learning into action with a few examples:

- COVID-19 Pandemic: Learn vocabulary related to health and medicine by following updates on the pandemic.

- Space Exploration: Explore words and phrases related to space travel and discovery while following news about NASA missions.

- Celebrity Gossip: Brush up on informal English expressions by reading celebrity gossip magazines or following entertainment news online.

Remember, the key is to find topics that genuinely interest you and immerse yourself in them. Before you know it, you'll be expanding your English vocabulary while staying informed and entertained!

When teaching English, consider incorporating current events or trending topics to engage your students. Pose questions related to these subjects to encourage discussion and learning. By exploring these topics, students can expand their vocabulary and gain valuable insights. For instance, you might ask, "Have you heard about the recent earthquake in Taiwan?"

A set of classroom interactions would be something like this:

Teacher: Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to start our lesson by discussing a recent event that's been in the news. Have any of you heard about the earthquake in Taiwan?

Student 1: Yes, I heard about it on the news last night. It was quite devastating.

Teacher: That's right. It was a significant event. Can anyone tell me what an earthquake is?

Student 2: Isn't it when the ground shakes because of movements in the Earth's crust?

Teacher: Exactly! You're absolutely correct. Earthquakes are caused by the shifting of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. Now, let's talk about some vocabulary related to natural disasters. Can anyone think of any words we might use to describe the aftermath of an earthquake?

Student 3: Destruction?

Teacher: Yes, destruction is one word we can use. What about others?

Student 4: Damage?

Teacher: Yes, damage is another good one. How about the word "rescue"? What does that mean in the context of an earthquake?

Student 5: It means saving people who are trapped or injured.

Teacher: Excellent! "Rescue" is indeed the act of saving people who are in danger. Now, let's discuss some ways communities can prepare for natural disasters like earthquakes. What measures do you think are important?

Student 6: Building earthquake-resistant buildings?

Teacher: Absolutely, constructing buildings that can withstand seismic activity is crucial. Anything else?

Student 7: Having emergency kits with food, water, and medical supplies?

Teacher: Precisely! Having emergency kits prepared can make a big difference in ensuring people's safety during times of crisis. You've all done a fantastic job today. Keep up the great work, and remember to stay informed about what's happening in the world around you. It's a great way to improve your English skills while also learning about important issues.

Event-centric English language learning offers a dynamic and engaging approach to mastering new words and expressions. By tying your learning to real-life events and topics, you'll not only improve your language skills but also deepen your understanding of the world around you. So, why wait? Start exploring, learning, and expanding your English vocabulary today!

Happy learning!

Janpha Thadphoothon is an assistant professor of ELT at the International College, Dhurakij Pundit University in Bangkok, Thailand.