Pedagogical Strategies to Foster Target Language Use: A Nexus Analysis

Abstract

Fostering target language use in second language classrooms is a persistent challenge for teachers. A lack of specific guidelines in curriculum documents, inexperience with a wide variety of pedagogical approaches, and the tendency to default to English, have been documented as reasons behind this challenge. Strategies from the Neurolinguistic Approach (NLA) show promise for fostering target language use in a variety of contexts in Canada and abroad. This study examined the use of NLA strategies in one German Bilingual Program in western Canada. The oral modeling sequence and literacy loop were implemented by six K-6 teachers during three sets of two Intensive (German-only) Weeks during a collaborative action research project over the course of one year. Nexus analysis served as a conceptual framework for analysis of interview data. Teachers reported that the strategies led to more structured, purposefully planned, collaborative learning opportunities. Students quickly picked up the NLA oral modeling sequence structure which allowed teachers to promote meaningful communication. Teachers used the literacy loop to scaffold target language use in both oral and written modes. Teachers collaborated in planning and teaching in grade teams, with buddy classes, and as a German teaching team. These results suggest the applicability of these strategies for other dual language programs to foster target language use.