Natural Approach or Cognitive Approach. Learning or Acquiring a Foreign Language? Research Study at Centro de Lenguas de la Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Juárez

Abstract

There is a big dilemma among instructors teaching English as a foreign language. Competence and teaching grammar rules are the primary pedagogical concern. Competence is directly related to the ability of proper grammar use of a language. However, methodological discussions end up accepting that grammatical rules are neither sufficient nor demonstrating the acquisition of the language. Learner students may have correctly learned grammatical rules, but some studies disagree on teaching only grammar because it will not be enough for students to speak forcefully. These circumstances lead to the discussion on the English Teaching method used at the Autonomous University of Ciudad Juárez (UACJ). This study aims to answer 1.) Which of the following approaches are more suitable to teach a second language, Natural Approach vs. Cognitive Approach?  2.) As to what extent should we emphasis grammar rules on teaching a second language to obtain the most benefit? Lastly, a sizable neurolinguistics portion of information is added to help us understand how the brain responds to learning a foreign language.