Making Decisions

What does it mean to "take a PiLL (Praxial Independent Language Learning)?

• It means Language Learning students need to become independent language learners;

• Learning a second language (L2) requires two qualities: (1) authenticity and (2) motivation. But in a classroom those two qualities are difficult to obtain;

  • Authentic means the situation is like everyday life, but it is difficult to be authentic in a classroom;

  • Motivation is about need and desire, and whether the need comes from within (intrinsic) or from without (extrinsic). Are you motivated to use English because of a letter grade, or because you want to speak English;

• This is why being an independent language learner is very important. But because it's difficult to be independent, you need something extra, and that's the praxial part;

• Praxial is a word that comes from praxis (doing smart things) and axial (pivotal) which refers to a time in history (500 to 300 BCE) that changed the way people thought and lived (axial age);

  • The axial age includes thinkers like Confucius, Laozi, the Buddha, Mahavira, Pythagoras, and Isaiah;

• Praxial Independent Language Learning use ancient wisdom, L2 theory and practice to help L2 learners become (transform) independent.

• The process requires changes in L2 learners' attitude, knowledge, and skill!