Date of Award
January 2014
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department
Teaching & Learning
First Advisor
Jodi Holen
Abstract
In the process of learning a new language students often feel uncomfortable using their language skills in an original and spontaneous manner. In a class that is not conducted solely in the Target Language (TL), it can be difficult to motivate and encourage students to use more of the TL. In this study I explored the use of code-switching as a strategy to encourage my Level II Spanish language students to use more language without fear of making a mistake or forgetting vocabulary. I also administered a survey to students to discover what they felt would be helpful in creating an environment more conducive to TL use. One thing that became clear is that teacher expectation can have a great impact on the willingness of students to communicate. Many students also want to feel that they are being rewarded for taking risks in using the TL. This study can afford other Foreign Language teachers some insight into how to increase the use of TL in their classrooms, particularly in lower level classes where it may not be desirable or necessary to teach in a TL only environment.
Recommended Citation
Bolstad, Kathleen Anne, "Increasing Target Language Usage In Level II Spanish Language Classes" (2014). Theses and Dissertations. 1623.
https://commons.und.edu/theses/1623