Using the ULAT in Schools
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. 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. Traditional text-based language instruction enables students to analyze the language they are studying. The ULAT trains them to actually speak it effectively.
HOW CAN WE LEARN TO USE THE ULAT IN OUR SCHOOL?
Students watching a ULAT lesson at Calvary Christian School in Columbus, Georgia
The best way to learn to use the ULAT program is to read the free ebook, “In Other Words“, found in this website. Therein you will find a presentation of the philosophy behind the ULAT program and suggestions as to the techniques to be used and activities to be performed in a classroom setting. Secondly, consult the Resources for Teachers section of the website for topics not dealt with in the ebook – especially the last item entitled “Lesson Planning”. As for answer keys to the ULAT’s oral tests, the correct answers are provided by means of answer videos. Otherwise, the test answers are provided in written form at the end of each written test.
HOW CAN WE VIEW ALL OF THE ULAT LESSONS?
The ULAT’s first 15 lessons are available free of charge for anyone to try out. Exceptionally, however, we can give schools access to the totality of the ULAT program to enable you to evaluate its appropriateness for your school. In order to do this, if you represent a school, you may have received a temporary User ID and password in an e-mail from the ULAT. If you have not received a temporary User ID and password, you can request them by contacting the ULAT. Provide your name and the name and location of your school. Once your school’s identity has been verified, a temporary User ID and password will be sent to you.
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.
SUBSCRIPTIONS
The cost of school or group subscriptions can be found by clicking here.