Presenter: Wan-Ching Chiou 邱婉菁Instructor: Dr. Pi-Ying HsuDate: Oct. 27, 2008

How to Enjoy the Advantage of Early-Age Immersive English

Training in Taiwan

Introduction

Chen, M., & O’Brien, C. J. (2006). How

to enjoy the advantages of early-age

immersive English training in Taiwan.

英語教學與文化 , 2, 1-11.

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Content

Introduction

Theoretical Background

Methodology

Result & Findings

Reflection

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Introduction

Researchers explain and clarify the issue whether it is better for youngsters to learn a second language from infancy or later in their education.

(Chen, & O’Brien, 2006)

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Purposes

Let children acquire English in an immersive environment

Avoid delaying children’s English education

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Theoretical Background

Studies show that the early years of life, from zero to five years of age, are the best for youngsters to begin learning language.

(Piaget, 1974)

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Theoretical BackgroundThe stages of cognitive development

( Piaget, 1974)

Sensorimotor stage From birth to age 2

Preoperational stage From ages 2–7

Concrete operational stage From ages 7–11

Formal operational stage After age 11

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Methodology

Participant Eowyn Coral 12 students at a cram school

Age

A new born baby

A second-year kindergarten student

7-12

Period

2 years 2 years Aug., 2004 to

Dec., 2005

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Methodology

Eowyn was exposed to an immersive environment

about 20% of her time

Coral was in the same situation

of her time

Researchers monitored their evidenceof language acquisition

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Methodology

3 hours a week to extend English immersion program with 12 students.

Play English songs Use English commands and daily phrases

Use English to interact with students

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Result

Eowyn

Acquire and have the ability to speak out many English words and phrases

Enjoy listening to someone read story

Recognize English patterns and intonation

Answer Y/N questions

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Result

Coral

Develop Chinese and English simultaneously

Increase listening and speaking English

ability the same with Chinese

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Result

12 students

Use and speak out English phrases naturally

Learn English skills withoutbe required to do

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Findings

Students who are in an immersive environment learn English more effectively and quickly with far less stress and frustration.

Parents will be surprised to find that they learn as much as their kids from study and improve their English skills as well.

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Reflection

Will learning a second language interfere

with first language acquisition?

Can parents who have a low initial skill level

provide an immersive environment for kids?

Will children develop correct accent

in second language?

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Thank you for your listening.

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