Play-Based Learning in Elementary School Foreign Language Settings

Author

Anna McDanielFollow

Date of Award

5-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts

Major

German

Major Professor

Dr. Stefanie Ohnesorg

Committee Members

Dr. Thorsten Huth, Dr. Adrian Del Caro

Abstract

Playing allows children to discover and comprehend the world around them and the educational potential of play has been widely documented in research. This thesis argues for the integration of play-based learning into communicative foreign language teaching in elementary schools. It explores various didactic approaches to play-based learning, and it also analyzes its connection to both Communicative Language Teaching and research in Second Language Acquisition. Additionally, this thesis evaluates two practical examples from elementary school settings that show how play-based learning can be integrated into foreign language instruction. It also provides programmatic guidelines and negotiates ideas that seek to enhance elementary school foreign language curricula through play-based learning.

Recommended Citation

McDaniel, Anna, "Play-Based Learning in Elementary School Foreign Language Settings. " Master's Thesis, University of Tennessee, 2024.
https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_gradthes/11337