Foreign Language Learning in Santo Domingo: Qualitative Case Studies in Two Private Schools

摘要: FOREIGN LANGUAGE LEARNING IN SANTO DOMINGO: QUALITATIVE CASE STUDIES TWO PRIVATE SCHOOLS by Priscilla Garrido Noble Improving the teaching of English as a foreign language in public schools is high priority for Dominican administration elected 2004. Consequently, government’s plan action includes pilot project that integrates strategies and methods already found country’s private, K-12, programs. The purpose this naturalistic inquiry was to investigate through case studies at two private hopes guiding educational policy. were selected based on their contrasting instruction. One school, Imersao, follows structured immersion program where most academic subjects are taught English. second Cervantina, teaches all Spanish, students’ first language, provides one hour day research process included repeated observations classroom activities, interviews with administrators, staff students, reviewing teachers’ lesson plans student products study effective can be accomplished varying methods, elements promote learning seen each schools. programs observed similar importance placed meeting needs students differing abilities, well cultural linguistic backgrounds, having classes emphasize grammar vocabulary alongside culturally relevant authentic communication opportunities. Even though both able communicate orally writing English, Imersao appear better equipped contend complex situations language. However, order concentrate almost entirely falls short objective concomitantly developing primary age-appropriate levels. results also suggest encouraging analyze, deduce, think while subject content advantageous. Future into topic should explore threshold optimum exposure inside outside might achieve proficiency, therefore allowing maximize use limited education resources. SCHOOLS. By