Research Paper - Learning Foreign Languages

The Effectiveness of Foreign Language Learning and Teaching in American Schools

Eugenia Jin

Northeastern University

How effective is language learning and teaching in American schools?

Abstract

This research paper explores the common methods of language learning and teaching currently employed all over the world. As part of an enduring topic in politics, education, and linguistics, this paper will focus mostly on how each method is approached in American schools as well as similarly observed situations in the United Kingdom and Australia, where English continues to be the dominant language spoken. This research topic was motivated by the need to understand why many Americans are unable to speak a second or foreign language fluently and hopes to clarify the solution in today’s modern world full of technology.

Investigative Questions

With better technological advances and globalization spreading worldwide like a plague, we see the world “flattening” in all aspects, especially our need to communicate. As a previous candidate in the International Business program with a Chinese minor at Northeastern University, I saw firsthand the increased interest my peers and faculty members shared in learning foreign languages, particularly Mandarin. Having written a similar, yet amateur, research paper exploring linguistics and acquiring a new foreign language in high school, I was interested in pursuing even further how the United States continues to supply demand for foreign languages and how effective these teaching methods are in public schools, where such language opportunities do not widely exist. I have always believed any possible form of immersion and daily, constant practice will create language fluency for any individual committed to learning a new foreign language. Because of such practices, I continue to speak, read, and write Korean at home and at my part-time job.

I will be investigating the main methods or “approaches” educators employ in teaching...