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Designing Authentic Materials through an Inquiry-Based Approach using WebQuests in the First Semester Intermediate German Language Classroom

Weiglein, Kayla
http://orcid.org/0009-0009-5325-0277
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1692285863506642

Abstract Details

2023, PhD, University of Cincinnati, Arts and Sciences: Germanic Languages and Literature.
German language classrooms lack authentic materials, especially at the intermediate and beginner levels. Authentic materials are generally substituted for mock materials in the target language, which creates an unrealistic and inauthentic second language (L2) environment. Additionally, authentic materials are oftentimes reserved for advanced L2 classrooms. Motivated by the shortage of research on implementing authentic materials in beginner-level German classrooms, this dissertation proposes an inquiry-based framework for teaching with authentic materials in the first semester intermediate German language classroom. Instructional design and various forms of technology are offered, which show an instructional sequence of how inquiry-based pedagogy, such as WebQuests or inquiry-based activities that task learners with extracting information from the internet, can be effectively implemented. Results from a control group of students demonstrate an overall positive reaction to the proposed approach. The guiding principles, WebQuests, and instructional design are intended to provide both a theoretical foundation and real-world example for teaching through accessible discovery-based curriculum in German. There are a multitude of explanations for this lack of authenticity in the beginning stages of L2 learning. One of the dominating reasons is that authentic materials are both challenging and time-consuming for instructors to research, scaffold, tailor, and implement in their first- and second-semester German language classrooms. Scaffolding authentic materials requires not only thorough knowledge of the materials being used, but also fosters variability in terms of register. Register is the way in which a speaker uses a language in different situations. This creates relevant connections for the learner, which are imperative for engagement and motivation in the L2 classroom. In addition to scaffolding challenges, the approach in which authentic materials are presented in the L2 classroom also needs to be evaluated. The approach or method in which an instructor implements materials is also dependent on the instructor’s expertise and on the diversity of learners in the classroom. Past approaches include, but are not limited to communicative, full immersion, or the Audio-Lingual method. These past methods all have a certain set of goals, such as memorization or communication, which has students engage with materials and each other in either an extremely scripted or free flowing environment. The use of authentic materials and varying extremes in approach in the beginner German classroom address this gap by scaffolding authentic materials using an inquiry-based approach. The goal in using these WebQuests is for the learners to engage in an authentic L2 environment that is not created or manufactured for them. WebQuests are environments through which native speakers in the target language interact. They grant flexibility for learners to engage with the target language using a, website, platform, or media they are familiar with, which creates an authentic experience of how native speakers engage with the same environments and gives the learners creative license in their work through with minimal instructor guidance.
Evan Torner, Ph.D. (Committee Chair)
Lindsay Preseau, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Todd Herzog, Ph.D. (Committee Member)
270 p.
Foreign Language
WebQuests; Inquiry-Based Pedagogy; Authenticity; Second Language Pedagogy; German Language; Scafffolding

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Weiglein, K. (2023). Designing Authentic Materials through an Inquiry-Based Approach using WebQuests in the First Semester Intermediate German Language Classroom [Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1692285863506642

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Weiglein, Kayla. Designing Authentic Materials through an Inquiry-Based Approach using WebQuests in the First Semester Intermediate German Language Classroom. 2023. University of Cincinnati, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1692285863506642.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Weiglein, Kayla. "Designing Authentic Materials through an Inquiry-Based Approach using WebQuests in the First Semester Intermediate German Language Classroom." Doctoral dissertation, University of Cincinnati, 2023. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=ucin1692285863506642

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

ucin1692285863506642
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© 2023, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by University of Cincinnati and OhioLINK.
Release 3.2.12