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Why might this work?

• It's authentic -
  It draws from the actual surroundings.
  Authentic language is anything not prepared by a teacher for the purpose of teaching the language (Higgins, suggesting what we don't want)
• It's relevant -
  Every bit of L used in class is from the immediate environment
• It's meaningful -
  Students bring it in themselves, or if the teacher prepares it, it's after noting needs and interests of students.
  Students create meaning, say what they want to say and not just what teacher wants them to say.
• It's constructivist for all of the above reasons.
  The language comes from within.
  ZPD created, students scaffold one another.
  Role of teacher is not central, authoritative, but facilitative, guiding.

Discussion

• Would you say that your own language learning or teaching context is particularly constructivist? Should it be?
• How do students obtain guidance in constructivist learning situations?

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