|
|
Notes
- Abstract:
- This paper investigates the importance of foreign language education, more specifically Spanish language education, and the system that presently exists in New Providence, Bahamas, with regard to the learning and teaching of this language. Five private schools were observed and analyzed for this study as they were the only schools to accept the premises of the research and allow for investigation. Various other schools, both public and private, were contacted for observation and study. None of these other schools, however, responded to the request. This is unfortunate and is perhaps one of the weaknesses of this investigation, for more schools could have been observed in order to obtain a more well-rounded study. This lack of enthusiasm toward the study also serves as an example of the general disinterest that the current educational system has concerning foreign language education. As one teacher said, “Spanish is not considered a ‘marketable’ subject and is seen as one of convenience by educational policymakers.” One of the main premises of this paper is to change this negative attitude and demonstrate that Spanish is an important area of study that should not merely be regarded as a curricular “add-on” in order to fulfill a humanities requirement. Several books were consulted concerning the different methodologies of foreign language teaching that exist, but no one methodology is expounded in this paper as “the best” way to teach. Instead, I have picked features that I feel to be important from the various works taking into consideration Alice Omaggio Hadley’s characteristics of a proficiency-oriented classroom. Thus, as will be noted in the paper, I stress the importance of student surveys so that the “cognitive” and “affective” needs of the students can be addressed (Hadley, point 4), the use of cultural realia and the importance of planning culture lessons (point 5), as well as the use of simulation/gaming so that students are able to practice various functions of the language in a range of contexts (points 1 and 2). Other areas are introduced, such as the importance of a conducive class environment and a teaching style that stimulates language learning, because they all form part of proficiency-oriented teaching and learning. This study is by no means conclusive and is only a preliminary investigation into the educational system as it stands with regard to Spanish in New Providence. There are numerous topics that have not been touched upon, but the purpose of carrying out this project is to create an awareness in the academic community of the need for change in Spanish language education as it exists in New Providence. Therefore, this study can serve as the starting point for more extensive and thorough research of the topic.
- Thesis:
- Thesis (Honors) --Barry University, 2001.
- Bibliography:
- Includes bibilographic references (leaves 111-115).
Record Information
- Source Institution:
- Barry University
- Holding Location:
- Barry University Archives and Special Collections
- Rights Management:
- Copyright Kristy Belton. Permission granted to Barry University to digitize, archive and distribute this item for non-profit research and educational purposes. Any reuse of this item in excess of fair use or other copyright exemptions requires permission of the copyright holder.
- Resource Identifier:
- PC4068.B3 B45 2001_BeltonKristy ( BU-Local )
- Classification:
- PC4068.B3 B45 2001 ( lcc )
|
|
