D: The Language Experience Approach (LEA)

What is it?

This is a technique where the learner tells you a story as you write it down. It is a powerful technique as it builds on the learner's life experiences and treats the learner as a "person first and learner second."

Who is it intended for?

• It works best with learners who have stronger speaking skills than reading and writing skills.
• It can be used with learners who are literate in their first language as well as those who have limited reading and writing ability in their primary language.
• It can be used for learners of all ages.
• It can be used at all levels with revisions in the basic steps provided below.

Basic steps in using LEA

1. Ask your learner to talk about something that is important to her. While she is talking, write down key words.
2. After the discussion, have her tell the story again, using the key words as a guide.
3. Write the story as the learner tells it.
4. Reread the story, pointing to each word as you say it. Let the learner add or delete information if she desires.
5. Have the learner read it with you (either in sentences or smaller sections).
6. Have the learner choose words she would like to learn by sight.
7. Have the learner reread the story and edit it if necessary.

Suggestions for using LEA

• Don't use LEA to teach new concepts.
• Don't make corrections to grammar or word choice (especially while the story is being told.)
  • Keeping the story authentic (true to what the learner said) is a great way to access and record your learner's ability. Correcting errors will not give you an appropriate record of your learner's skills.
    Address grammatical difficulties in another lesson using another source.