In Defense of Concordancing: An Application of Data-Driven Learning in Taiwan

Data-Driven Learning (DDL) is an approach in which the language learners are also research workers whose learning is driven by access to linguistic data (Johns, 1991:2). This essay aims at evaluating the potential of the DDL approach using concordance compiling software in language teaching in Taiwan. The advantages and disadvantages of using concordancing in the classroom and the values and limitations of using small corpora are discussed. A CALL program is explored in language teaching, particularly in the teaching of J.K. Rowling's uses of the preposition in Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.