TAPESTRY APROACH

Tapestry approach is learning approach which has purpose to make students become more active in language learning by giving material matched to the skills, abilities, goals, backgrounds, and interest of student. The materials are arranged well so students attract to follow the learning process. This Learning approach is flexible because the material can be rearrange/recycle when it doesn’t match with students’ needs and goals anymore.

Like as other learning approach, one of the important component of this approach is teacher. There is two characteristic of teacher.

1.       Caring means teacher has sensitivity to aware about what his students character, what they need,  and students language development.

2.       professionalism means teacher able to teach well and determine appropriate teaching method which is match with students’ need.

Teacher has some roles in tapestry approach such as:

-          Information gatherer who observe students development in learning process.

-          Decision maker

-          Motivator who motivate students to acquire their English

-          Facilitator of group dynamic who prepare classroom routine and organized instructional task for students.

-          Provider of large quantities of authentic English input and opportunities to use this input who prepare the sources of knowledge and learning tools such as video, movie, etc.

-          Counselor and friend who give emotional support to students when they have psychological problems about English.

-          Provider feedback who give positive response to the students

-          Promote multicultural perspective who teach students to tolerate and respect to other cultures.

Tapestry materials emphasize acquiring English through instruction that encourages task-based learning centered upon themes.

Tapestry materials are responsive to individual learner differences such as language proficiency, learning style and strategy, cultures, needs, interest, and goals.

An integrated skill approach in this teaching approach is reflected in all materials and related among others. 

In line with tapestry concept of individual differences, it encourages students to speak at their own pace, regardless of whether that pace involves a silent period.

Learner centered activity is the primary focus of tapestry materials. Teacher center or explanatory instruction is kept to a minimum.

Tapestry material help students to set their own goals and assess their own progress. Encourage learners to interact outside of class, read to pleasure and establish a regular self study program involving tapestry workbook and reference materials.

The types of this learning approach are:

-          Incidental learning

-          Students center, planed, direct instruction

-          Teacher centered, direct instruction 

-       Students self direct study