ERIC Number: EJ1436842
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2024
Pages: 22
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1927-5250
EISSN: EISSN-1927-5269
Available Date: N/A
The Direct Method in English Language Instruction for Primary School Students in Santarém-PA: An Experience of TESOL Undergraduates
Alessandro Ripardo da Silva; Nilton Hitotuzi; Naelson Sarmento Barbosa
Journal of Education and Learning, v13 n4 p42-63 2024
The Direct Method, a pedagogical approach for teaching additional languages through immersion, emphasizes oral interaction and everyday language usage to facilitate language acquisition. This method discourages reliance on translation and minimizes emphasis on grammatical rules. However, a fundamental question arises about the effectiveness of TESOL programmes in non-English dominant countries in equipping prospective teachers to adopt a monolingual approach. This paper explores the results of a case study aimed at understanding the experiences of two TESOL degree candidates from a university in Northern Brazil. They participated in an outreach project employing the Direct Method to teach English to Year 1 students on the outskirts of Santarém-PA. Data, gathered through proficiency assessments, interviews, and video recordings, were analysed using Content Analysis and video analysis principles in qualitative research. The results revealed challenges faced by the participants due to limited pedagogical knowledge but also unveiled adaptive strategies, collaborative work practices, introspection, and an acknowledgment of the importance of integrating elements from students' physical and social contexts into lessons. Despite challenges, the study underscores the beneficial potential and viability of the Direct Method in non-English dominant contexts, advocating for its critical consideration and adaptation within TESOL programmes.
Descriptors: English (Second Language), Second Language Instruction, Teaching Methods, Oral Language, Language Usage, Second Language Learning, Instructional Effectiveness, Preservice Teachers, Language Teachers, Grade 1, Elementary School Students, Barriers, Foreign Countries, Adjustment (to Environment), Interpersonal Communication
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education; Early Childhood Education; Elementary Education; Grade 1; Primary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: Brazil
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A
Author Affiliations: N/A