Using the ULAT for Remote Instruction
THE ULAT
The ULAT (Universal Language Acquisition Tool) is a 3-year language teaching program, currently containing over 300 lessons in Spanish, French and English for non-English speakers. The ULAT seeks to replicate the natural language acquisition sequence (listening to speaking to reading to writing), only involving the students in phonics and reading instruction, and then writing, once a sound oral foundation has been laid to their knowledge of the new language. Its unusual and highly effective method of language transmission has as its goal the training of students, not merely in matters of syntax and vocabulary, but most importantly in how to think as does a native speaker in communicating in their new language.
HOW CAN WE USE THE ULAT WITHOUT THE PRESENCE OF A TRAINED LANGUAGE INSTUCTOR?
The ULAT contains literally hundreds of instructional videos, many of which are interactive, providing the students with instruction similar to what they would receive if in a classroom setting. Additionally, there are videos at the end of each oral test in which the test’s correct answers are provided. As for written tests, the location of the correct answers, intended only for teachers and parents, will be provided to you in the welcome e-mail you receive when you subscribe to the ULAT. Watch the video below to learn more:
HOW CAN WE TRY OUT THE ULAT LESSONS?
The ULAT’s first 15 lessons are available free of charge for anyone to try out. Simply click here to begin.
CAN STUDENTS ENTER THE ULAT CURRICULUM AT ANY LEVEL OF THEIR LANGUAGE STUDIES?
Good question. Definitely not. First of all, from a pedagogical standpoint, entering the program at the second or third year level would be contrary to the basic principles on which the ULAT is established – particularly the critical importance of laying a very strong oral foundation to their knowledge of the language before dealing with the written word. Secondly, and very practically, the ULAT is replete with thousands of images that would be largely meaningless to a student who had not begun at the beginning. Consequently, it is only appropriate to enter the ULAT program as a beginning language student.