The basis of the research study aims to evaluate a new ‘ESL Curriculum for Young Learners’ resulting in the creation of an accompanying syllabus for the curriculum and the development of ‘Active Learning Strategies’ lesson plans that root their success in the research of Vygotsky, Gardner and Piaget. The research will follow three phases of investigation. Phase I is the creation of materials such as questionnaires for parents, administrator interview, peer observation of the teacher by a professional in the field and reflective inquiry in the form of a teacher’s journal. Phase II of the research monitors the implementation of pre-tests and post-tests to gauge the accuracy of the statistical data followed by Phase III which will present and evaluate various treatments in an attempt to arrive at positive outcomes. Treatments incorporated detailed quantitative and qualitative data to explore the implementation of a new ESL curriculum for young learners. Data collecting included a pre-test and post-test analysis and formative assessment criteria and data reporting, while a parent questionnaire, peer review, interviews with the director of the program and a student portfolio yielded additional information. Data analysis consisted of recording percentage, mean and standard deviation. A teachers log and a self reflective journal also made an impact in evaluating the qualitative data.
The participants in the study were two pre-school classes of children from ages 4 and 5 years (total 24). These children attend a private institution and they are part of the Native Speaker Program at the school. The school is located in Northern Thailand in the city of Chiang Mai. Participant’s progress was tracked over a two term period (2011-2012) to compare the old curriculum results and evaluations using an updated, newly revised curriculum based on the current European Framework and contemporary research in reputable published academic journals. Themes addressed in the research are teaching young learners, teacher critical self-reflection, review of statistical data and evaluations written in a teachers log for the past two years. Maintaining the motivation level of young children learning English as they prepare for a future where English language competence is monitored and mandated by the Thai government will be examined as well as sub- topics like classroom management and teacher enthusiasm.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction
1.1 Rationale and statement of the problem
1.1.1 The National Educational Reform act of 1999
1.2 Research Question
1.3 Objectives of the study
1.4 Significance of the study
1.5 Scope of the study
1.5.1 Sample
1.5.2 Content
1.5.3 English skills and abilities
1.5.4 Research variables
1.6 Definition of terms
Chapter 2 Literature Review
2.1 Theoretical framework
2.1.1 Literacy: The aim of the research
2.1.2 Young learners and language acquisition
2.1.3 Why teach L2 to young learners
2.1.4 What is active learning?
2.2 Research in child development and learning
2.2.1 Vygotsky's social cognitive theory
2.2.2 Gardner's multiple intelligence theory
2.2.3 Piaget’s stages of development
2.3 Assessing young learners
2.3.1 Assessing young learner ability
2.3.2 Reflective practice
2.4 CLT in relation to active learning
2.4.1 Total physical response
2.4.2 Authentic bridge to acquisition
2.5 Teacher - Student responsibility in the CLT classroom
2.5.1 Teacher qualities and young learners
2.6 Learner strategies
2.7 Learning styles
2.8 Curriculum development
Chapter 3 Methodology
3.1 Research type
3.2 Setting
3.3 Participants
3.4 Treatment instruments
3.4.1 Curriculum development process
3.4.2 Creation and development of an ALS syllabus
3.4.3 Preschool ALS proto-syllabus
3.5 Data collecting instruments
3.5.1 Pre-test and post-test
3.5.2 Formative evaluation
3.5.3 Student portfolio
3.5.3.1 Portfolio assessment and analysis
3.5.4 Parent questionnaire
3.5.5 Self-reflective journal
3.5.6 Peer observation
3.5.7 Interview with director
Chapter 4 Results of the study
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Results of the study
4.2.1 Syllabus modification
4.2.2 Revised proto-syllabus after implementation
4.2.3 Pre-test and post-test results
4.2.4 Results of pre-test/ post-test in table for combined classes
4.2.5 Analysis of parent questionnaire
4.2.6 Analysis of self-reflective journal writing
4.2.7 Analysis on peer observation method
4.2.8 Analysis of Directors interview
4.3 Data analysis
4.4 Conclusion
Chapter 5 Conclusion, discussion and recommendations
5.1 Summary of the study
5.2 Discussion of the results
5.2.1 Curriculum and syllabus design are important
5.2.2 Assessment
5.3 Taking steps towards ALS teaching practice
5.4 Classroom management
5.5 Professional development
5.5.1 Models of professional competence
5.5.2 Enlisting stakeholder assistance
5.6 ESL technology and computer assisted learning
5.7 Enthusiasm
5.8 Conclusion
Objectives and Research Themes
The primary objective of this study is to develop and evaluate a modern "Active Learning Strategies" curriculum designed specifically for K2 young learners. The research seeks to determine whether this curriculum effectively enhances the English communication ability of the target group through a structured, multi-phase investigation involving quantitative data (pre- and post-tests, portfolios) and qualitative analysis (reflective journals, interviews, peer observation).
- Curriculum Design: Creating an "Active Learning Strategies" syllabus based on the theoretical foundations of Vygotsky, Piaget, and Gardner.
- Assessment Strategies: Implementing performance-based assessments that reflect communicative competence in young learners.
- Pedagogical Reflection: Utilizing reflective practice and peer observation to refine teaching methods in a preschool ESL environment.
- Integration of Theory and Practice: Adapting academic research into practical, culturally sensitive teaching routines within Thai classrooms.
Excerpt from the Book
1.1 Rationale and Statement of Problem
There are a variety of arguments which make the case that children should be exposed to English at younger ages. Some arguments, such as the Critical Period Hypothesis made popular by Eric Lenneberg (1967, p. 180) in his work The Biological Foundations of Language, which states that children are biologically more adept at picking up languages and that therefore we should take advantage of this potential. Others would simply argue that in order to remain competitive to international standards, teaching English to younger children is a necessity. This study does not seek outright to dispute the veracity of the matter; the simple fact is that, whether for better or worse, “the ages at which children start learning English has been lowering across the world” (Graddol, 2006). There is unfortunately too often the trend, as the ages of learners’ drop, of bringing along tried and tested curricula for older groups of learners while making only superficial adaptations. To make the best of the situation, and hopefully to present our children with as many opportunities and resources as we can put at their disposal, teaching methods must therefore adapt also, to specifically target and accommodate the many learning styles of our young learners.
Summary of Chapters
Chapter 1 Introduction: This chapter outlines the rationale behind teaching English to young learners and addresses the global and local context in Thailand, ultimately presenting the research objectives regarding the effectiveness of an Active Learning Strategies curriculum.
Chapter 2 Literature Review: This section explores key theories of child development and language acquisition, including constructivism, Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development, Gardner’s multiple intelligences, and the implementation of Communicative Language Teaching (CLT).
Chapter 3 Methodology: The author describes the mixed-methods research design, detailing the participants, the setting, and the various instruments used to collect data, such as portfolios, questionnaires, reflective journals, and peer observation.
Chapter 4 Results of the study: This chapter presents the quantitative and qualitative findings of the research, including pre- and post-test data, analysis of the parent questionnaire, and the outcomes of the curriculum implementation.
Chapter 5 Conclusion, discussion and recommendations: The final chapter synthesizes the findings, discusses the implications for preschool ESL education, and provides practical recommendations for educators and policymakers regarding future curriculum development and professional growth.
Keywords
Active Learning Strategies Curriculum, K2 Young Learners, ESL, Curriculum Design, Assessment, Vygotsky, Gardner, Piaget, Communicative Language Teaching, Reflective Practice, Portfolio Assessment, Thailand, Language Acquisition, Cognitive Development.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core purpose of this research?
The research aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a new "Active Learning Strategies" curriculum in enhancing the English communication skills of K2 preschool students in Thailand.
Which theoretical frameworks are used in this study?
The study relies on constructivist learning theories, specifically the research of Lev Vygotsky (Zone of Proximal Development), Howard Gardner (Multiple Intelligences), and Jean Piaget (stages of cognitive development).
What is the primary research question?
The research asks whether a modern Active Learning Strategies curriculum can effectively enhance and promote English communication ability in young K2 learners.
What research methods were employed?
A mixed-methods approach was used, including pre- and post-tests, student portfolios, parent questionnaires, teacher self-reflective journals, peer observation, and interviews with the program director.
What does the main body of the work cover?
The core chapters cover a review of relevant literature on language acquisition, a detailed description of the methodology, the presentation of results through statistical and qualitative analysis, and a concluding discussion on implications for teaching practice.
Which keywords best describe the focus of this work?
Key terms include Active Learning Strategies, K2 Young Learners, ESL Curriculum Design, Assessment, and Cognitive Development.
How is the student portfolio used for assessment?
The portfolio acts as a collective index of student progress over time, including art projects and work samples that demonstrate achievement of measurable goals, which are then graded using a standardized rubric.
What role does the teacher's reflective journal play in the study?
The journal serves as a diagnostic and reflective tool for the teacher to document classroom events, identify student behavior patterns, and improve pedagogical strategies through systematic self-analysis.
- Arbeit zitieren
- Michael Underhill (Autor:in), 2014, Evaluating the Effectiveness of an Active Learning Strategy Curriculum that Promotes K2 Young Learners' English Communication Ability, München, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/275915
