In my previous two columns I discussed how social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter can be used productively by anyone to hone their English language skills. WhatsApp is another great social networking tool that can be used by learners to practise their English in a natural way.
A week ago, I conducted a workshop on Mobile-Assisted English Language Learning (MAELL) at a national symposium organized by Dr MGR University, Chennai. While interacting with the participants (teachers, research scholars, and students of engineering) many shared with me how they use WhatsApp to strengthen their English. WhatsApp has thrown numerous possibilities for teachers as well as learners of English. The app has helped us develop our reading as well as writing skills.
WhatsApp promotes free voluntary reading (FVR). Stephen Krashen who has been the most influential voice in the second language acquisition for about four decades, in his The Power of Reading (1993), lists these benefits: students’ reading comprehension, writing style, vocabulary, spelling and control of grammar improve.
A few days ago, some students of mine approached me with this request: “Sir, we have started a WhatsApp group and we would like you to be part of the group.” “What is the purpose of the group?” I asked them. “We want to improve our English in a fun way and we want you to be our mentor,” one of them replied. A great initiative by the students, indeed! Here are a few of the tips I had given them as a mentor:
— Know why you have joined the group. The objective of the group is to help members enjoy practising and learning English. Stick to the purpose of the group.
— Know your responsibilities. Be an active member of the group. Post. Discuss. Enjoy.
— Post interesting, relevant and useful stories that result in fruitful interactions. For example, you can have these fun activities: Write a 3-sentence letter to WhatsApp. Define ‘love’ in 3 words. Write a short dialogue between you and a popular actor.
— Whenever someone posts an anecdote, news story, joke, puzzle, etc. read it more than once and post your comments. Let there be chain of interactions. Don’t send just one-word response to any post. Be polite and use positive language.
— If you come across an interesting audio file (English), share it with the members and ask them to give their comments. This helps them develop their listening as well as writing skills.
— Post your own videos of stories that you have narrated, 1-minute speeches you have delivered, etc. It helps you develop your speaking skills. When we learn any language in a fun way, we don’t learn it but acquire it.
Dr Albert P’ Rayan is an ELT Resource Person and Professor of English. He can be contacted at rayanal@yahoo.co.uk