MALLMobile-Assisted Language Learning. Includes the
use of mobile devices such as cellular mobile phones, tablets, etc. that are
used for educational purposes. |
ManipulativesConcrete objects used to demonstrate learning
concepts. The use of manipulatives appeals to ESL students’ senses in order to
enhance the meaning of the presented information. Students have the opportunity
to hear, see, and touch manipulatives to promote the learning process and
language acquisition. |
Meaningful InputLesson input (usually a reading text or
listening passage) that includes target language within a meaningful context. |
MetalanguageThe language used to describe language items
(e.g., grammar terminology) or used in class to give instructions or explanations. |
MethodHow a language is taught. A method is made up of
a set of techniques that reflect a certain philosophy of language teaching. |
Minimal PairsTwo words that contain all the same phonemes
(sounds) except for one (e.g., sheep and ship, or rice and
lice). Minimal pairs are useful for practicing discriminating between
two difficult phonemes (sounds). |
ModelingAn ESL teacher demonstrates the learning
activity as the students watch. After showing the students what to do, the
teacher repeats the demonstration as learners follow along. Soon the students
are capable of performing the task without hesitation. This type of modeling by
a teacher helps ESL students become comfortable with classroom activities and
helps them to know what is expected on assignments. |
MorphemesThe
smallest meaningful unit in the grammar of a language that cannot be further
divided. For instance, unhappy has two morphemes, “un” which means not
and “happy” which means joyful. Both of these two morphemes carry
meaning and cannot be further divided. |
MorphologyThe study of word structure, root words, new
word creation, word changes, and morphemes that go into building words. |
Multisensory ActivitiesPlanned lesson activities that tap into more
than one of the senses. Learning can be enhanced through hands-on activities
that give ESL learners an opportunity to absorb information through their
senses. There is a Chinese saying that describes the benefits of this: “Tell
me, I forget; show me, I remember; involve me, I understand.” ESL students need
to be totally involved in their learning. |