Language Lab History And Advantages

The History of English Language Lab

A peek into the history of English language labs leads us to several names that refer to a Language Lab, viz; digital language lab, multimedia language lab, language media centre, multimedia learning center, etc.

Language labs are audio and audio-visual systems that promote learning a new language through listening and speaking. Old-school language labs required pre-installed hardware in classrooms. The process required the teacher to occupy the central control unit from where they would feed the educational content through cassettes. The students would sit at booths with mikes from where they could listen and answer, with speed not being a restriction. A language lab allowed n number of students to speak simultaneously without distracting one another. A conventional classroom always has a limitation; in 40 minutes class of 20 students, one gets only 2 minutes of speaking time.

Early Language Labs

In the late 20th century, technology development and various audio-video equipment introduced the concept into teaching. This allowed easier learning, as developing one’s subject knowledge in controlled conditions always yielded better results. Language students have also used ‘Laboratory’ or Lab word.

Amalgamating technology with teaching dates back to 1943 when BBC established a separate department for learning English. The program changed several names, starting with ‘English 43 by Radio’ to today being known as ‘BBC Learning English’. Historically, the development of Language Labs in America could be broadly categorized into Pre & Post World War II. The Language Labs showed a parabolic behavior, with a huge drop by the end of 70"s.

The resurrection period started in the 80"s and continues until today

Modern-Day Language Labs

Language learning has its separate requirements like any other subject. These four skills need to be mastered to become confident speakers in any language, i.e. Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing. These are often referred to as the LSRW sequence. The right sequence is again of great importance.

Language laboratories globally have acquired a hi-tech status, all credit to the vastly improved equipment. Each student commonly has an individual System (a desktop or a laptop) and headphones with recording facilities in the booth. The contents have moved from mere audio to animated audio video and printed scripts in English subtitled in various languages to enhance the understanding by the students. This is seen to accelerate the learning process. This prompted the development of exclusive Language labs for schools.

The Advantages

It’s been observed that a language is learned at a much faster pace in a Language Lab. This is achieved due to the specifically developed spoken English programs for the schools and individuals. Moreover, the lab's technical advantages proved to be of great help and exhibited advantages over conventional classrooms. The lesser the human involvement, the greater the content quality and the results. The contents in a conventional classroom are more dependent on the ability of the Trainer and could vary with the change in the Instructor. The language labs software for schools has overcome this very serious issue by including several English Language Lab Activities that make learning interesting and ensure uniformity and ease of teaching.

Why Talk Right- The Language Lab is the best?

In Talk Right software, the resources available and developed are based more on facilitating the spoken abilities than rules of any language, unlike the conventional classrooms. There are several innovative options to practice unlimitedly through practical activities, such as listening to recorded speeches, recording their voice and listening to and identifying the errors for self-corrections. The option to correct regional language effects has also now been incorporated into content by giving pronunciation checkers in the software. Exclusive word and picture vocabulary is also a part of the Language Lab software, adding to the word bank of the learner. The language Lab curriculum invariably follows the order Listen, Speak, Read and Write. Talk Right Language lab software makes learning to speak a Language an easy and enjoyable journey. Conversational English Grammar is taught, and definitions and uses are learned through animated videos, not by mugging up.

Talk Right - the language Lab, by Mastermind Tutorials Pvt. Ltd. In effect, is one of the best language lab software you can use as a school.

To make a concluding statement, if the success rate of a conventional class of Spoken English is 10 % and other Language Labs are 40 %, that of Talk Right – the language lab is certainly going to be 80%.

To set up a Talk Right language lab in your school, fill out the inquiry form. We shall contact you the next working day and guide your school through the process.

Also Read: Digital Language Lab For School