ORCID
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8259-0435
Date of Award
Spring 5-17-2019
Degree Name
Master of Arts (AM/MA)
Degree Type
Thesis
Abstract
In this project, I present a way to effectively blend modern theories of language acquisition and the contemporary practice of teaching Latin. I intend to demonstrate that a curriculum is able to balance both traditional and innovative philosophies by adapting Second Language Acquisition Theory’s idealized way to learn a language to fit the realistic limitations of the classroom. I begin with a discussion of the history of language pedagogy, focusing on Latin’s influence on the study of language learning from antiquity to present. Next, I present the key topics in SLA and the practical implications of this research for today’s Latin classrooms. I then turn from the scholarly theories of language acquisition to the daily practices of Latin teachers. Basing my discussion on an IRB-approved survey, I consider the goals and practices of contemporary Latin educators, concentrating on the three dominant teaching methodologies: the Grammar and Translation, Comprehensible Input, and Reading Methods. Finally, I briefly discuss a selection of the factors that affect course design and teaching practices and limit the applicability of idealized learning methods. In conclusion, I argue that today’s Latin teachers should adopt a hybrid approach. Instead of strictly aligning with one methodology, teachers should define and adapt their practices to meet the goals of their classrooms and the needs of their students.
Language
English (en)
Chair and Committee
Thomas Keeline, Classics
Committee Members
Catherine Keane, Philip Purchase
Recommended Citation
Nicoulin, Morgan A., "Methods of Teaching Latin: Theory, Practice, Application" (2019). Arts & Sciences Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1748.
https://openscholarship.wustl.edu/art_sci_etds/1748
Included in
Ancient History, Greek and Roman through Late Antiquity Commons, Anthropological Linguistics and Sociolinguistics Commons, Applied Linguistics Commons, Bilingual, Multilingual, and Multicultural Education Commons, Classical Literature and Philology Commons, Curriculum and Instruction Commons, Curriculum and Social Inquiry Commons, Educational Methods Commons, Educational Psychology Commons, Elementary and Middle and Secondary Education Administration Commons, First and Second Language Acquisition Commons, Junior High, Intermediate, Middle School Education and Teaching Commons, Language and Literacy Education Commons, Psycholinguistics and Neurolinguistics Commons, Semantics and Pragmatics Commons
Comments
Permanent URL: https://doi.org/10.7936/znvz-zd20