From Novice Low to Advanced High: Five Decades of Paradigmatic Shifts in Foreign Language Pedagogy
Abstract
For me, the search for the optimal method to promote students' oral communication skills began more than fifty years ago. This autobiographical dissertation discusses the research base for various theories about teaching foreign language and elucidates my personal experiences with these theories as a student, high school teacher, mother, and university professor. The optimal method to teach communication combines the best of the Audio-Lingual Method, The Grammar-Translation, Individualized Instruction, the Direct and Natural Methods and Total Physical Response. Total Proficiency through Readying and Storytelling leads the methods in developing students' speaking ability. This dissertation seeks to elevate teaching beyond methods and techniques. The effective foreign language teacher develops a rapport and relationship with the student for true communication. The teacher infects her students with her passion and commitment to second language learning.
Collections
- OU - Dissertations [9319]
Related items
Showing items related by title, author, creator and subject.
-
DUAL LANGUAGE LEARNERS IN PRESCHOOL: A MULTI-CASE STUDY ON HOW THE LANGUAGE ENVIRONMENT SUPPORTS LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT
Kelly, Janice (2015)The increase of dual language learners in today’s classrooms have caused serious implications when examining how the country educates children (McWayne, Melzi, Schick, Kennedy, & Mundt, 2013). Because of the cultural and ... -
Language Epiphany and Flow Theory: A Phenomenological Study of Successful Language Learners’ Perspective on Their Language Experience
Rahouti, Noumane (2015-05-08)This qualitative research is a phenomenological study of successful language learners’ perspectives on their language experiences. It looks at different particularities among successful language learners and extract possible ... -
Second language interference during first language processing by Arabic-English bilinguals
Alsaigh, Tahani; Kennison, Shelia M. (Frontiers Media, 2017-11-07)The research investigated whether a bilinguals' second language (L2) is activated during a task involving only the first language (L1). We tested the hypothesis that the amount of L2 interference can vary across settings, ...