Teaching Modern Standard Arabic in International Baccalaureate School: Teacher Perspective

by

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I would take this opportunity to thank my research supervisor, family and friends for their support and guidance without which this research would not have been possible.

DECLARATION

I, [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________

ABSTRACT

In this study we try to explore the concept of teaching modern standard Arabic in International Baccalaureate School in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on teaching modern standard Arabic and analyzing it from a teacher's perspective. By using a mixed method research, the study addresses the gaps in the language acquisition research literature that relate to understanding whether, and to what extent, short-term foreign language immersion programs stimulate the language learning process.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTII

DECLARATIONIII

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background1

Study Abroad4

Study abroad and proficiency7

Study Abroad and Living Arrangement12

Study Abroad, Acculturation, And Identity15

Diglossia20

Educated Spoken Arabic23

Bilingualism and Diglossia25

Arabic teaching and Diglossia26

Purpose of the Study28

Immersion29

Two-Way Immersion Programs30

Definition of Terms33

Significance of the study34

Research Questions and Propositions34

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW35

Internationalized Curriculum: a global perspective35

Theoretical Framework37

Socio-psychological Theory38

Natural Approach Theory38

Structured Learning Situations40

Teaching Arabic42

Diglossia in Arabic42

Training in Language Learning Strategies43

Cultural Schematic Factors44

Cultural Background47

The Culture of Saudi Arabia49

Assessment-based Research50

Case Studies Research52

Predicting and Assessing Language Proficiency Growth54

The Role of Study Abroad Classrooms55

Natural Approach Theory57

ASSURE Model Appraisal Criteria58

Common Deficiencies in Appraisal Guidelines and Checklists58

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY61

Research Design61

Data Collection Questionnaire61

Interviews62

Interview Questions:63

Key Questions:63

Examination of Documents64

Validity, Reliability, and Bias68

Verification with Respondents69

Data Analysis70

Questionnaire70

Individual Interviews70

Triangulation of Data71

Methodology Limitations and Ethical Issues71

CHAPTER 4: DISCUSSION73

Overview of the Study74

Particular Difficulties with Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language81

Global Perspective for Students83

Support for Language Learners83

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION85

Implication for Research Findings85

Acculturation85

Cultural Strategies85

Recommendations87

Recommendation for National Board Certification88

Recommendation for Practicing Teachers90

Study of Teacher Immersion When Coming from Developing Countries91

REFERENCES94

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION

Background

Regardless of students' motivations to learn Arabic, enrollments have dramatically increased, and Arabic has even moved off the list of less commonly taught languages. Nevertheless, not many students are continuing their studies of the language beyond the introductory level, and if the goal is a high level of competency, then the focus should now shift to the retention and advancement of students. Investigating what makes the language learning experience more successful for some than others entails an examination of affective issues, including anxiety. In 2007, the Modern Language Association reported a 126% increase in Arabic enrollments throughout the United Arab Emirates from the years 2002 to 2006. Unsurprisingly, Arabic represented the greatest statistical increase in any language enrollment from 2002 to 2006 in the United Arab Emirates. Arabic programs are expanding and opening all across the United Arab Emirates. More and more students are becoming interested in learning the language of the Arabic-speaking world. While programs at home are abounding, one might expect the number of students participating in study abroad programs in the Arabic-speaking world to follow suit. Interestingly, however, the number of students studying ...