The Lexical Approach

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Explore the power of lexis in language teaching with The Lexical Approach: The State of ELT and a Way Forward—a thirteen-week course led by Sergio Pantoja, based on Michael Lewis’s groundbreaking work.

Dive into the core principles of the Lexical Approach, where language is viewed as “grammaticalised lexis, not lexicalised grammar.” We’ll explore how meaning is constructed through fixed expressions and patterns, rather than isolated words or rigid grammatical rules.

Core text for this course

About the book:

The Lexical Approach: The State of ELT and a Way Forward offers a transformative perspective on language teaching, shifting the focus from traditional grammar-based instruction to the central role of lexis. Authored by Michael Lewis, a pioneering figure in ELT, this influential book challenges conventional methodologies and highlights the importance of lexical chunks, collocations, and formulaic language for true fluency.

Participants are expected to have a copy of this book before the beginning of the course and be prepared to read one chapter every week in preparation for our live sessions.

How long is the course?

This is a 13-hour course

From February, 2026 to May, 2026 (13 live sessions – 1 hour per week)

Live session dates

Wednesday afternoons from 13.00 to 14.00 (Brasilia time)

February 4, 11, 25
March 4, 11, 18, 25
April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29
May 6

Course program

Session 1: Background
Session 2: Developing Ideas
Session 3: The Wider Context
Session 4: The Nature of Meaning
Session 5: The Nature of Lexis
Session 6: Lexis in the Syllabus
Session 7: Lexis in Language Teaching
Session 8: Grammar Content in the Lexical Approach
Session 9: Explanation and Practice in the Lexical Approach
Session 10: The Nature of Error
Session 11: Responding to Error
Session 12: The Role of Materials
Session 13: Teaching, Teacher Training, and Methodological Implications

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Enrollment Confirmation:
- Your enrollment is confirmed once we receive your initial payment.
Refunds Before the Course Starts:
- Cancellations submitted in writing before the course starts qualify for a full refund of any installments paid.
No Refunds After 7 Days:
- No refunds will be issued for cancellations made more than 7 days after the course has begun.

Important Information

Group Size: 6–12 participants per group.
Google Classroom: Requires a Gmail account.
Session Recordings: Lessons are recorded and available for 7 days.

Course Fees

6 installments of R$ 150,00 via boleto bancário or credit card (November, 2025 to April, 2026)

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