Publication Date

2009

Degree Name

Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT)

First Advisor

Partick Moran

Abstract

This paper examines the integration of authentic cultural experience into the foreign language curriculum through the use of guided imagery, line drawings, and a WebQuest designed to facilitate the creation of an imaginary friend living within a country where the target language is spoken. The student uses these techniques to vicariously communicate with and experience a proscribed facet of that imaginary friend’s life. Through the use of the guided imagery and web-based research, the student will breathe life into a black and white line drawing by coloring in an appropriate complexion and by giving the character a name which would typically be found within the imaginary character’s country of origin. In addition to learning about the culture of the friend’s country, the student will inadvertently be creating relevance for learning the language of this friend thereby stimulating a natural desire to study in order to communicate with greater ease and understanding. Within the parameters of the WebQuest, the student will be directed to produce various artifacts which are then shared in a culminating activity where the students introduce their “friends” to the larger group of participants. Lesson plans for the project are given in detail and implications for the use of this project are considered in terms of its flexibility and potential application to any foreign language classroom at any level or age group.

Disciplines

Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education | First and Second Language Acquisition

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