Date of Graduation

Fall 12-13-2024

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

International and Multicultural Education (IME)

First Advisor

Dr. David Donahue

Second Advisor

Dr. Jessica Blundell

Third Advisor

Dr. M. Sedique Popal

Abstract

The goal of this curriculum project is to effectively develop the English communicative skills of a small group of Japanese third age English language learners. The term, third age learners (TALs), represents learners who are generally in their mid-60s through early 80s, retired, healthy, active, and motivated to learn something new. When it comes to English language learning strategies, one size does not fit all. An effective curriculum must be built on the theories and approaches that fit the specific needs of the target learners. The first three chapters of this project report describe the theories, approaches, and methods applied to this curriculum. Theories of geragogy, critical geragogy, and critical foreign language (FL) geragogy, which are the framework of this curriculum, state that older learners require learning strategies that are different from those for younger generations, and such strategies should aim to empower older learners to emancipate from negative notions of their learning ability influenced by inaccurate general perceptions. These strategies should also promote the empowerment and autonomy of learners by embracing decentralized, student-centered, and self-help learning environments. (Formosa, 2012.; John, 1988.; Ramírez Gómez, 2016) As to instructional approaches, the curriculum aims to reflect a mix of communicative language teaching and grammar-translation methods with more emphasis on communicative language teaching. The grammar-translation method is utilized in some lessons because it is the method learners are familiar with and feel comfortable with. Chapter IV presents an example of the curriculum, with foreign travel as the theme. It is made up of five units focused on different aspects of travel, and for this report, lessons of Unit 1 (Air Travel Unit) are described in detail.

Download

Share

COinS