Foreign language instruction in the public elementary schools of Chicago: A descriptive needs assessment

Zena Theresa Moore, Purdue University

Abstract

A needs assessment is considered essential in the process of curriculum development. It is also well documented that for the successful implementation of curriculum offerings, there should be involvement of all those concerned with the education of the children whom the schools serve. These principles guided this study, which was designed to assess the foreign language needs in one school district in Chicago. Self-administered mailed questionnaires, non-participant observation, the use of key informants, the telephone interview, structured and unstructured taped interviews were the instruments used for collecting the data. Combined quantitative and qualitative procedures for collection as well as for analysis of the data were used. The data collected revealed wide-spread interest in offering foreign language study to more students. Foreign languages were generally viewed as positive contributors to the overall development of the elementary public school child of Chicago. Although the study indicated that there was great interest in offering foreign language instruction, it also indicated the need to address several constraints. One of the principal constraints, was the unavailability of qualified trained foreign language teachers in the city public elementary schools. Another principal constraint was the lack of standardized foreign language instruction programs and evaluation procedures. Other constraints were lack of adequate funding, space in the school buildings and coordinating services for monitoring and evaluating teaching methods. The study indicated great variety and differences in methods of teaching and teaching material for foreign language programs within the school system. As a result of these differences for further in-depth investigation into each individual school is needed if any effective foreign language program is to be introduced.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Garfinkel, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Curricula|Teaching

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