Journal #1

      

          In the class of Development of Communication skills in students of ESL, was discussed several issues among them is the difference between “use” and "usage"? What is the difference between fluency and accuracy? And what is the difference between functional and structural syllabus? The professor discussed with colleagues several opinions; they expressed their ideas which made the class dynamics. In this diary I will show my opinion on each of the questions according to what I understood the concepts discussed in class.

          In the English language there are several words that are spelled different but seems to have the same meaning, but that depends on how you utilize it in a sentence. Such as "usage" and "use" are defined as "the act of using" but "usage" refers to how something is used and only works as a noun, and "use" refers to the practice of doing something and is both verb and noun. To understand and apply correct "usage" and “use"of grammar and conversation you need to connect much with the language and practice it.

          Many people wonder which is the difference between fluency and accuracy. To my knowledge a person may be fluent but not show precision in what it does or says. In the English language much exist fluency, and there is much that many people who speak the language without fear and ease but do not have the accuracy that it requires. For accuracy it takes much knowledge and practice to then be able to acquire the ability to do things without making mistakes. In the classroom will perform various activities for students to acquire both the fluidity and precision. Some activities undertaken to acquire fluency as: listening (music), talk (speech, poetry, drama, etc.), reading, writing assignments and present them in class, among others.  While to acquiring the accuracy begins by being to know all on the topic, learning, understanding and applying correctly. By practicing the right thing, to have an accuracy is achieved.  If we manage the classroom so students can have accuracy and fluency would be a good achievement, and we work every day but not always get the results we want.

          There is also talked and discussed in class the difference between a functional syllabus and structural syllabus.  From what I understand the functional syllabus is based on functions not grammatical structures, but the structural syllabus is based on grammatical structures that are the backbone of organization. In my opinion the functional syllabus can help you to work with children in the classroom with basic units using different techniques and exploring knowledge.  But I think that structural syllabus is very complex for the comprehension and domain of the students, in occasions it can lead to the confusion.