Topic: Incorporating Art into Language Education
Abstract: The presenter will explain why and how she incorporated art into English classes for her elementary-level university students. In language education, visual images can help students overcome vocabulary problems when they are trying to understand stories in textbooks. As well, Parson (2004) states that art in an integrated curriculum enables students to experience different view points and helps them to think and to visualize on a larger scale. Moreover, art can create the kind of positive classroom atmosphere which Lightbown and Spada (1999) feel is necessary for increased student motivation.
With this in mind, the presenter hoped that art activities would allow her language students to explore their personal interests and raise their self-esteem, thereby contributing to motivation in the classroom. Indeed, as the students tried to complete the assigned activities, they began to look inside of themselves and felt satisfied when they found ways to express their thoughts while presenting their works to other students.
The presenter will share actual student works with the audience during the presentation, and the various art activities will be explained in detail. Discussion will also be encouraged as the presenter hopes to explore and expand her ideas along with the audience.
Links to her presentations include:http://www.jalt.org/pansig/2008/HTML/Shimada.htmhttp://www.jalt-publicat...
