Application of Data Driven Learning (DDL) for Language Teaching and Learning

Seminar paper from the year 2023 in the subject English Language and Literature Studies - Linguistics, grade: 1,3, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg (Chair of English Philology and Linguistics), language: English, abstract: This paper wants to explore the possibilities and chances of DDL for Language Teaching and Learning. In doing, the focus is on, firstly, in which way DDL and immanently the use of corpora differ from tradition approaches in language teaching and learning. The introduction of corpora has shown that the relationship between grammar and lexis is more complex than previously thought. Corpora have led to a lexico-grammatical approach to language, informing language teaching and syllabus design, whereas DDL allows learners and teachers to work with frequent patterns of language in context. Secondly, this paper will provide an overview of the various possibilities of employing DDL in the classroom. DDL language teaching and learning activities involve using corpora and concordancers to actively engage learners in discovering and defining patterns of language use. Lastly, the practical implications of DDL and therefore the limitations of DDL will be considered having a closer look into the pedagogical underpinnings and underlying philosophy of DDL. DDL is a language teaching approach that aims to give learners direct access to authentic language data without the mediation of textbooks or teachers. However, as will be argued, this approach may not be suitable for novice learners due to cognitive limitations, overwhelming amounts of data, and lack of guidance.