Remediation
Channel: English Unpacked
Date: 2024-03-05

"Remediation" refers to the process of correcting or improving something that is flawed or deficient. In the context of the English language, remediation can be understood as the act of addressing and improving one's understanding or proficiency in the language.
There are various examples of remediation in English language learning:
1. Grammar Remediation: If a learner consistently makes mistakes in using verb tenses, remediation would involve focusing on that specific area of grammar and providing explanations, exercises, and practice opportunities to help the learner correct and improve their usage. For instance, a learner might say, "I go to the store yesterday," instead of "I went to the store yesterday." Remediation would involve explaining the correct usage of past tense verbs and providing exercises to practice using them correctly.
2. Vocabulary Remediation: If a learner struggles with expanding their vocabulary, remediation would involve introducing new words and helping them understand their meanings, usage, and context. For example, if a learner is unfamiliar with the word "diligent," remediation would involve explaining that it means hardworking or showing great care and providing examples such as, "She is a diligent student who always completes her assignments on time."
3. Pronunciation Remediation: If a learner has difficulty pronouncing certain sounds or words, remediation would involve focusing on those specific areas of pronunciation and providing guidance and practice to improve their accuracy. For instance, if a learner has trouble pronouncing the "th" sound in words like "think" or "three," remediation would involve explaining the correct tongue placement and providing exercises to practice pronouncing the sound correctly.
4. Comprehension Remediation: If a learner struggles with understanding spoken or written English, remediation would involve implementing strategies to improve their comprehension skills. This could include activities such as listening to English podcasts, reading books or articles, and answering comprehension questions to strengthen their understanding of the language.
Overall, remediation in English language learning aims to identify areas of weakness and provide targeted support and practice to help learners improve their understanding and proficiency in the language. It involves a combination of explanations, exercises, and practice opportunities to address specific language skills and areas of improvement.