Mohamad Nizar
mohamadnizar@manggala.ac.id
STIT Manggala, https://manggala.ac.id/penelitian-dan-pengabdian/
Institut Teknologi Nasional, https://ejurnal.itenas.ac.id/index.php/index/index
- Introduction
In Latin, the term “literacy” originates from literatus, meaning “learner,” and littera, meaning “letter” or “conventional writing system.” In French, literatus implies “learning to acquire the skills of reading and writing.” The goal of literacy is to acquire new knowledge worthy of being communicated or shared with the public. A literature review—whether electronic or print—is the process of searching for and gathering facts as data or information on a particular topic, then organizing it based on specific needs or objectives, such as fields of study or expertise. The more skilled a person is in communicating their knowledge, the more effectively they convey their message to an audience. Coherent thought is reflected in the orderliness of language, while disorganized speech reveals disorganized thinking. Mastery of language is essential to achieving clear communication. In the context of literacy, communication involves not only expressing ideas but also includes transactional interactions with the audience—such as agreeing-disagreeing or rejecting-accepting—that promote critical thinking. Acceptance or rejection of an idea should be based on arguments supported by literature review.
Language is a symbolic system of human speech that is communicative, arbitrary, and abstract. According to Keraf (1978, 2001, 2010), arbitrariness means that a particular sequence (system) of sounds does not necessarily carry a specific meaning. The meaning of a word depends on the conventions or agreements among native speakers. The sound sequence in the word “mountain,” for instance, does not directly refer to its material form, but rather to an agreed-upon concept among speakers. In language, abstraction refers to the lack of sensory measurement in a symbolic meaning within a word that represents the speaker’s idea. In spoken systems, these sounds are understood as abstract symbols that convey meaning but do not represent the literal object being spoken about, as in the perception of the word “impossible.” In the context of literacy, language is involved in the processes of searching, collecting, processing (selecting and sorting), and communicating information.
If a person expresses their thoughts or presents information about their knowledge, expertise, or profession, it is assumed that they have listened, observed, discussed, read, and written. about it. Suriasumantri (2001) writes about what science and knowledge are, and language as a tool for scientific thinking or rational thought, alongside mathematics, statistics, and logic. Science is a part of knowledge that has undergone a series of procedures and observational criteria to generate new knowledge for the benefit of humanity. Knowledge, in essence, is everything that humans know about a particular object, which includes science. Language serves as a means of expressing the framework of reasoning (frame of reference) and empirical thought that refers to sensory experience (frame of experience).
Reason or intelligence is the ability to understand and logically conclude, which is always explored when a person consistently and continuously engages in listening, observing, discussing, reading, and writing about phenomena, issues, or social events or natural mechanisms as facts. This approach will guide an individual to think critically, creatively, and even innovatively, in accordance with their competencies in specific fields (Teale & Sulzby: 1989, Ramanathan: 1996, Grabe: 2000, Behar-Horenstein LS: 2009). Both Rationalism and Empiricism agree that, fundamentally, ideas are clearly embedded within a person. Rationalists believe that reason has been a source of knowledge prior to being investigated based on facts. Empiricists believe that sensory experience of facts has been a source of knowledge before being examined through reasoning.
Foreign language is not the native language of a region; it is learned to acquire as much information as possible from outside that area. The Industrial Revolution 4.0 enables individuals to easily obtain digital information technology as a practical communication tool to apply knowledge in their professions. The more skilled a person is in a foreign language, the more they are assumed to be able to obtain knowledge widely and easily. Equipped with digital technology and foreign language skills, it becomes easier for them to access global literature. A literature review involves a series of activities related to acquiring information, reading, noting, and processing information or data that can be used as references.
2. Model, Methodes, and Techniques for Foreign Language Learning
The Blended Learning Model is a learning approach that not only combines synchronous and asynchronous digital technology but also integrates methods and techniques tailored to the characteristics of each subject. This model is highly relevant to the 21st-century education system, emphasizing the need for education in science, technology, entrepreneurship, as well as social and cultural character education. All of these aspects are blended into learning methods and techniques delivered through digital platforms with attention to human safety.
The Blended Learning Model requires internet-based digital technology as a medium to implement a combination of learning methods accessible anytime, whether at home, school, or the workplace. Additionally, this model serves as a mitigation tool in crisis situations, such as disease outbreaks, pandemics, or other disasters that impact the learning process. This digital platform is also valuable for research purposes.
Sources: http://tinyurl.com/mvbjfmkk and http://tinyurl.com/5h5cw2hk [4.4.2023]
The Immersion Method is a foreign language learning method in the Industry 4.0 era that is well-suited for implementation on this platform. This method involves “immersing” students in the new language used for the subject being studied. In other words, this platform includes techniques that allow students to be fully immersed in the new language while also presenting the subject matter in that language. The application of this method within the Blended Learning Model has been researched in several countries.
There is no harm in adopting, absorbing, adapting, or applying this method in foreign language learning, both in core curriculum and co-curricular activities. However, the method should first be reviewed in accordance with research principles before implementation. If an educational institution is willing to act as a pilot location for testing this learning application, it must ensure its technology infrastructure is ready. Research principles based on positivism require the involvement of various academic disciplines related to foreign language learning models and methods.
A learning model should incorporate methods and techniques that encompass not only language learning concepts but also linguistic aspects integrated into the Blended Learning Model. This integration should work in harmony, be embedded, and complement each other within a foreign language learning platform. For example, in English language learning, students need to master linguistic concepts, including the use of tenses related to the grammatical category of verbs to indicate ‘time’ and ‘type of action’ as well as aspectuality to describe events. Sentence structure is built based on syntagmatic relations (derivasional) and paradigmatic relations (inflectional), according to the principles of langue, parole, and langage (Zainudin : 2013 and Sausssure : 1916). Practically, this is seen in English Pattern Practices: establishing the patterns as habits. In the context of Arabic, this approach is applied through the use of Tasrifan as a technique (Astuti : 2011).
3. Epilogue
Various opinions regarding the Blended Learning Model and the Immersion Method in foreign language learning platforms are assumed to have a positive impact on enhancing students’ abilities to deepen and expand their literacy activities, as well as to increase access to global resources. With the sophistication of these models and methods, students are expected to become more accustomed to using foreign languages for literacy, allowing them to obtain more information without being hindered by space and time. Foreign languages play an important role in broadening knowledge and providing opportunities for students to communicate more effectively. The Industrial Revolution 4.0 presents a phenomenon of shifts global economic and political landscapes. This directly impacts educational models as part of the development of the global economy and politics. Higher education institutions must intelligently adopt ideas and resources from outside. In this context, integrating “external elements” into “internal elements” of the educational system is essential. Higher education, as a center of excellence, should avoid delays at the foundational level that could lead to poor outcomes. These institutions must be responsive to shifts and movements in global learning models and their methods so that their graduates do not fall behind in the global job market. In this way, a comprehensive relationship is evident between shifts in global economic and political dynamics and the interests of education. The presence of digital technology in the era of Industry 4.0, especially in the realm of international relations related to entrepreneurship, requires skilled foreign language learners. They must be capable of competing in the global job market and promoting local values on a global stage, a concept known as glocality.
Quotations of Works
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