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Content‐Based Foreign Language Instruction In the Middle School: An Experiential Learning Approach
Author(s) -
Moeller Aleidine J.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
foreign language annals
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.258
H-Index - 49
eISSN - 1944-9720
pISSN - 0015-718X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1944-9720.1994.tb01231.x
Subject(s) - curriculum , experiential learning , foreign language , pedagogy , mathematics education , excellence , psychology , middle level , political science , work (physics) , engineering , law , mechanical engineering
Numerous middle school reports acknowledge foreign languages as an important part of middle school curriculum, yet all too often, the foreign language teachers are on the periphery of decision making and curriculum planning activities. A thorough analysis of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)–An Agenda for Excellence at the Middle Level reveals a significant overlap in instructional and curricular goals with Krashen's and Omaggio‐Hadley's tenets of effective language learning and teaching. A detailed comparison of the NASSP document and the literature on content‐based foreign language instruction reveals significant similarities in the curricular and instructional goals endorsed for middle level learners. Content‐based foreign language instruction best accommodates the goals of interdisciplinary teams, hands‐on, active and involved learning, student‐centered in nature that is embraced by middle level educators.