The Implementation of the Mixed Techniques in Teaching English in Public Elementary Schools

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Bibliographic Details
Title: The Implementation of the Mixed Techniques in Teaching English in Public Elementary Schools
Language: English
Authors: Al Darwish, Salwa
Source: International Education Studies. 2017 10(4):31-42.
Availability: Canadian Center of Science and Education. 1120 Finch Avenue West Suite 701-309, Toronto, ON M3J 3H7, Canada. Tel: 416-642-2606 Ext 206; Fax: 416-642-2608; e-mail: ies@ccsenet.org; Web site: http://www.ccsenet.org/journal/index.php/es
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 12
Publication Date: 2017
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Education
Grade 1
Primary Education
Early Childhood Education
Descriptors: Curriculum Implementation, Elementary Schools, Public Schools, Foreign Countries, English (Second Language), Grade 1, Second Language Instruction, Grammar Translation Method, Elementary School Teachers, School Districts, Communicative Competence (Languages), Audiolingual Methods, Qualitative Research, Observation, Interviews
Geographic Terms: Kuwait
ISSN: 1913-9020
Abstract: Kuwait, an Arabic-speaking country in which English serves important functions, has adopted so many methods in teaching EFL in public schools which in 1993 started with the Grammar-Translation and continued until 2005 the eclectic method was applied. In 2005 the emphasis on communicative techniques and almost entirely through listening and speaking in the first grade was used. This qualitative investigation of the opinions and teaching practices of twelve first grade teachers found that certain communicative techniques were seen by many of the teachers to contribute to slow academic progress and motivational problems: not translating vocabulary, not overtly correcting errors, not teaching reading and writing, and not giving formal tests. In spite of the important functions of the English language in Kuwait, it appeared that most of these first graders were not hearing English outside the classroom, which appears to be important for the success of the communicative method. Most teachers and some parents were concerned that the children were not being prepared for formal examinations in their future. The conversational frame of the drills and recitations probably contributed importantly to students' understanding of English as a functional language. However, the communicative aim of encouraging students to absorb English through hearing it conversationally was undercut when the non-native-speaking teachers modeled English mistakes.
Abstractor: As Provided
Number of References: 51
Entry Date: 2017
Accession Number: EJ1138598
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Kuwait, an Arabic-speaking country in which English serves important functions, has adopted so many methods in teaching EFL in public schools which in 1993 started with the Grammar-Translation and continued until 2005 the eclectic method was applied. In 2005 the emphasis on communicative techniques and almost entirely through listening and speaking in the first grade was used. This qualitative investigation of the opinions and teaching practices of twelve first grade teachers found that certain communicative techniques were seen by many of the teachers to contribute to slow academic progress and motivational problems: not translating vocabulary, not overtly correcting errors, not teaching reading and writing, and not giving formal tests. In spite of the important functions of the English language in Kuwait, it appeared that most of these first graders were not hearing English outside the classroom, which appears to be important for the success of the communicative method. Most teachers and some parents were concerned that the children were not being prepared for formal examinations in their future. The conversational frame of the drills and recitations probably contributed importantly to students' understanding of English as a functional language. However, the communicative aim of encouraging students to absorb English through hearing it conversationally was undercut when the non-native-speaking teachers modeled English mistakes.
ISSN:1913-9020