Bridging Language Through Folktales and Authentic Outings: A Guidebook for ESL/EFL Teachers

Author

Natalie SauvainFollow

Date of Graduation

Spring 5-19-2022

Document Access

Project/Capstone - Global access

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)

College/School

School of Education

Department/Program

Teaching English as a Second Language

First Advisor

Luz Navarette

Abstract

There is a real need for authentic and culturally relevant materials to be integrated into ESL and EFL classrooms. Swiss classrooms, as well as the language acquisition curricula used in them, need to be redesigned with the native languages and culture of the learners’ in mind. All too often, teachers are dependent on textbooks, which can raise anxiety and decrease motivation among ELLs since the learners lack an authentic relationship with the teacher, language and materials. The aim of this field project is to address the lack of authentic materials in Swiss ESL classrooms. The creation of this field project uses Krashen’s Affective Filter Hypothesis as a rationale, which states that variables that affect a person’s ability to acquire a second language are motivation, self-confidence, and anxiety. This theory will be practically applied to create authentic and culturally relatable materials for Swiss ESL classrooms thus reducing unnecessary anxiety among students. The project is a guidebook for educators to use with A2 level English learners alongside a normal curriculum to help students increase their motivation and reduce anxiety. The content is based on the traditional Swiss folklore, William Tell, and bridged with the American folklore, Paul Bunyan. The guidebook is organized in one unit taught over four separate lessons. Students may benefit from these materials because they may reduce the students’ affective filter by providing engaging content and materials that are familiar, authentic, and relevant to their experience.

Recommended Citation

Sauvain, Natalie, "Bridging Language Through Folktales and Authentic Outings: A Guidebook for ESL/EFL Teachers" (2022). Master's Projects and Capstones. 1308.
https://repository.usfca.edu/capstone/1308