The effect of teaching strategies on learning a foreign language. (c2004)

Abstract

The recognition of the importance of languages in the world is becoming quite significant. This case study examines the effect of the teaching strategies on language learning. The study of different languages caused the researcher to investigate the degree of success in learning foreign languages at the American Community School (ACS) in Beirut Lebanon at the High School Program. The researcher uses a vast array of interviews, observations and questionnaires to assess the degree of success in the learning process. The sample in this study consisted of students from the International Baccalaureate (IB), the High School (HS), and the Lebanese Baccalaureate (LB) at ACS. The researcher interviewed students from the three different programs, asked participants from the three different programs to complete the questionnaires; also she observed classes in the three different programs: IB, HS, and LB classrooms. In addition, the role of the teacher in mediating relations between the teaching dimension and the students' performance was examined. The results of this case study show that there is a positive relationship between the teaching strategies and learning a foreign language. Moreover, the teaching strategies of the teacher indicate relevance to students' interests. The integration of the four main skills, listening, speaking, reading and writing and the use of the target language in the classroom not only motivate learners but also accelerate the learning process. Thus, the repercussion of the teacher's performance in class affects the social and academic achievements of students in high school program.