Philippine E-Journals

The Chile Exploration: Documenting and Understanding the Factors that Enhance and/or Inhibit Post-First Language Learning in the SPU Manila Environment

Brian Saludes Bantugan | Sr. Flordeliza Deza

Discipline: Languages

 

Abstract:

The paper attempted to describe the language program developed for Chilean students who are preparing to become teachers able to use English as a language of instruction or in teaching English. Guided by the Theory of Bernard Spolsky which he aptly called the Conditions for Second Language Learning published in 1989 and was expanded using Gardner’s socio-educational model of second language acquisition, the study examined quantitative and qualitative data drawn from standardized exams, narrative reports, performance assessments, actual course grades, and the program evaluation. Each area within the variable indicated in the study framework was assessed as either dominantly positive or negative, and the overall effect, indicated the weight of the positive aspects over the negative or otherwise. The results revealed that the students were generally impeded by the off-classroom experiences which were generally determined by their difficulty to integrate with the local environment. Expectations of the students to study in a country where the mother language is English fuel resistance for better integration with Filipinos who are more multi-lingual and are frequent code-switchers.