Please reflect on your own learning experiences when you were a middle school student and discuss about what differences between language used in real life and language learned in the classroom under the traditional teaching pedagogy from the perspective of the way language is learned or taught.

As a middle school student, I remember feeling frustrated with the language learning process in the traditional classroom setting. While I was able to understand the grammar rules and vocabulary taught in the classroom, I found it difficult to apply this knowledge to real-life situations. The language used in the classroom felt artificial and detached from the natural flow of conversation.

One of the main differences I noticed between the language used in real life and the language learned in the classroom was the lack of authenticity in the latter. In the classroom, language learning was often focused on memorizing vocabulary and grammar rules, with little emphasis on practical application and communication skills. This made it challenging to transition from the controlled environment of the classroom to real-life interactions where language usage is dynamic and context-dependent.

Another difference I observed was the lack of exposure to authentic language sources in the traditional classroom setting. While textbooks and scripted dialogues were the primary learning materials, they did not fully capture the richness and diversity of real-life language usage. As a result, I struggled to understand informal language, idiomatic expressions, and cultural nuances that are integral to effective communication.

From the perspective of the way language is taught, the traditional pedagogy often relied on rote memorization and grammar drills, which did not align with the natural process of language acquisition. This approach failed to foster a genuine understanding and appreciation for the language, leading to disengagement and limited proficiency.

In contrast, real-life language learning involves immersion in authentic language environments, exposure to diverse language sources, and opportunities for meaningful communication. This immersive and communicative approach allows learners to develop a deeper understanding of the language and its cultural context, leading to more effective language acquisition.

Overall, my experience as a middle school student highlighted the need for a shift towards a more communicative and immersive language learning approach that reflects the way language is used in real life. This approach should prioritize practical application, authentic language sources, and meaningful communication to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-life language usage.