=== INTRO:
The teaching of language has been a part of education for centuries, with the goal of helping students learn to communicate effectively with others. The methods used to teach language have changed over time, and in the decades leading up to the 1960s, the teaching of a mother tongue was often a very different experience than it is today.
Pre-1960 Language Education
Before the 1960s, the teaching of language was often conducted in a very formal setting, with the focus being on memorization and recitation of words and phrases. Students were expected to learn the language through rote memorization and often had to recite what they had learned in front of the class. This approach was often seen as the most effective way of teaching language, and it was not uncommon for students to be tested on their knowledge of the language.
In addition to the formal approach to teaching language, there was often a focus on teaching students the history and culture associated with the language they were learning. This was done through lectures, readings, and other activities that allowed students to gain an understanding of the language and its origins.
Changes in the 1960s
In the 1960s, language education began to shift away from the traditional rote memorization and recitation approach. Instead, the focus shifted to a more interactive approach, with students being encouraged to engage in conversations and other activities in order to learn the language. This shift was accompanied by an emphasis on teaching the culture and history associated with the language, as well as the use of language in everyday life.
The 1960s also saw the introduction of new technologies, such as audio and visual aids, which allowed teachers to present language lessons in a more engaging way. This helped to make learning more interesting and enjoyable for students, and it allowed them to learn more quickly and effectively.
=== OUTRO:
The teaching of language has come a long way since the 1960s, and the methods used today are much more effective than those used in the past. However, it is important to remember that the changes in the 1960s laid the foundation for modern language education and helped to make language learning more accessible and enjoyable for students around the world.
In the years prior to the 1960s, teaching practices and methods in the classroom varied greatly from country to country, as well as from generation to generation. In Brazil, for example, teaching native language was traditionally done through rote memorization and imitation of the teacher’s words and phrases.
The primary focus of language instruction during the 1950s and earlier was on the memorization of grammar rules and basic vocabulary. Students were expected to be able to read, write and speak in the language with a limited level of understanding of the nuances and complexities of the language and culture. Much of a student’s success in learning the language was based on their ability to remember what was taught in the classroom and to apply it in everyday life situations.
Most classroom lessons and textbooks were written in very formal language, with a lot of attention paid to the structure of sentences and the correct way to pronounce words. There was very little focus on the language as spoken in actual conversation, and even less focus on conversational language related to the student’s everyday experiences. In addition, there was no real attempt to allow students to express their own thoughts and ideas in the language; instead, they would simply repeat what they heard from the teacher.
The teaching methods and focus on native language instruction in Brazil prior to 1960 has changed greatly since then, becoming much more focused on oral discussion, listening, speaking and understanding the language in its most conversational form. Today, the emphasis is on contextual learning wherein the student experiences the language through situations that reflect their everyday lives. This includes a focus on cultural understanding, as students are encouraged to use the language to articulate their feelings, opinions and experiences.
In conclusion, it is clear that teaching practices for native language instruction in Brazil prior to the 1960s were much more focused on memorization and imitation of the teacher’s words and phrases. In contrast, today’s teaching methods and focus on language instruction are much more focused on using language in context, with an emphasis on expressing thoughts, ideas and experiences in the language.