Let’s consider a situation where we teach how to say “book” in the target language.
The first method is to directly say, “This is a book.”
The second method is to first ask, “How do you say this in (the target language)?” and give the student
time to think before providing the answer: “This is a book.”
Students learn better with the second approach. Why is that?
When learning a foreign language, actively thinking and reasoning is more effective than simply listening to information. This is due to several cognitive and psychological factors.
1️⃣ Active Thinking Strengthens Memory
The first method (“This is a book” is directly given) is passive learning. The student
simply listens without actively thinking or engaging.
The second method (asking “How do we say this?” before giving the answer) promotes active learning. The student
must think and reason, which increases the chances of transferring information to long-term memory.
When given time to think, the brain processes the information more deeply, making it more memorable than just hearing it.
2️⃣ Retrieval Practice Enhances Learning
A well-known cognitive psychology principle is retrieval practice.
The more a learner tries to recall information by connecting it to prior knowledge, the more deeply it is embedded in memory.
When asked, “How do we say this?” students engage in memory retrieval, reinforcing the learning process.
This activates the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex, helping short-term memory transition into long-term retention.
3️⃣ Curiosity and Problem-Solving Boost Motivation
People learn better when solving problems, rather than just memorizing information.
When a student
is asked, “How do we say this?” their brain naturally activates curiosity and starts searching for answers.
This curiosity enhances engagement, and once they receive the correct answer, they experience cognitive satisfaction, making learning more effective.
4️⃣ Making Mistakes Enhances Learning (Desirable Difficulty Effect)
If a student
is asked a question and gives the wrong answer, this can actually benefit learning.
Research in cognitive psychology shows that desirable difficulty—a manageable level of challenge—improves learning outcomes.
Struggling with an answer helps students remember the correct response more deeply and effectively once they hear it.
5️⃣ Social Interaction Strengthens Learning
Asking a question before giving an answer fosters interaction between the teacher and student
.
People retain information better when learning through social engagement.
When a student
is asked a question, they feel that the teacher is engaging with them personally, which increases their focus and motivation.
📌 Conclusion
For effective language learning, students should engage in active thinking, retrieval practice, curiosity-driven learning, productive struggle, and social interaction.
Therefore, instead of simply saying, “This is a book,” it is much more effective to ask, “How do we say this?” first, giving students the opportunity to think.
This approach helps learners become active participants, rather than passive receivers of language knowledge.
