Submission Type
Event
Expected Graduation Date
2013
Location
Lower Level, Ames Library, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-20-2013 9:00 AM
End Date
4-20-2013 10:00 AM
Disciplines
Education
Abstract
Foreign language classes are all too often a practice in rote memorization exercises. Research has shown that rote exercises are not the most effective method for learning a foreign language or improving students’ reading comprehension. Active learning strategy research argues for having more hands-on, project-based opportunities that increase student learning outcomes. As a high school French student teacher, I sought to find ways to implement active learning strategies to aid students’ reading comprehension. This self-study was completed using a qualitative approach and included data from field notes, projects, student feedback, and student grades. The findings indicate that targeted active learning strategies such as games, activities, and projects, used in partnership with one another, did result in improved student performance on reading comprehension assessments. This study will add to the body of knowledge which promote active learning strategies and will hopefully encourage further research of these methods.
Included in
Improving Language Comprehension in the French Classroom: The Role of Active Learning Strategies
Lower Level, Ames Library, Illinois Wesleyan University
Foreign language classes are all too often a practice in rote memorization exercises. Research has shown that rote exercises are not the most effective method for learning a foreign language or improving students’ reading comprehension. Active learning strategy research argues for having more hands-on, project-based opportunities that increase student learning outcomes. As a high school French student teacher, I sought to find ways to implement active learning strategies to aid students’ reading comprehension. This self-study was completed using a qualitative approach and included data from field notes, projects, student feedback, and student grades. The findings indicate that targeted active learning strategies such as games, activities, and projects, used in partnership with one another, did result in improved student performance on reading comprehension assessments. This study will add to the body of knowledge which promote active learning strategies and will hopefully encourage further research of these methods.