Abstract

This study investigates Arabic as a Foreign Language (AFL) teachers' perceptions towards the usefulness of songs in fostering language acquisition in AFL classes, in addition to the practices they employ, and the alignment between teacher perceptions and practices. Perceptions and practices are examined further through a focus on the purposes for using songs in class, the activities teachers use with songs, and the challenges they face with using songs in class. In addition, the study evaluates whether there are any demographic features that distinguish teachers who use songs from those who do not. The aforementioned topics were investigated through an online questionnaire that received responses from 66 AFL teachers, as well as interviews with six of these teachers to further explore and analyze the findings of the questionnaire. The results of this study indicate an overwhelming consensus among participating AFL teachers in regard to the usefulness of songs in classes to foster language acquisition for all proficiency levels and most AFL class types. The study also reveals a lack of alignment between teacher perceptions and practices, as a result of challenges teachers face in finding suitable songs as well as dealing with varying student attitudes towards their usage.

Department

Applied Linguistics Department

Degree Name

MA in Teaching Arabic as a Foreign Language

Graduation Date

2-1-2019

Submission Date

January 2019

First Advisor

El Essawi, Raghda

Committee Member 1

Abu El Seoud, Dalal

Committee Member 2

Hassan, Mona Kamel

Extent

121p.

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Rights

The author retains all rights with regard to copyright. The author certifies that written permission from the owner(s) of third-party copyrighted matter included in the thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study has been obtained. The author further certifies that IRB approval has been obtained for this thesis, or that IRB approval is not necessary for this thesis. Insofar as this thesis, dissertation, paper, or record of study is an educational record as defined in the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) (20 USC 1232g), the author has granted consent to disclosure of it to anyone who requests a copy.

Institutional Review Board (IRB) Approval

Approval has been obtained for this item

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