An investigation of strategies to teach english as a foreign language to adult students from Cañar who speak kichwa as ther mother tongue

Abstract

This research was undertaken to study Cañari-students’ social background, whose native language is Kichwa, in order to develop teaching and learning strategies through focusing on the level of formal education they present at the time they enter the university. Methods of data gathering were developed to obtain a better understanding of Cañari students and their actual condition to learn English as a new language in order to give them the knowledge and practice which they can value and use in their university and professional lives. To plan and design appropriate classes for the above mentioned students, it was also necessary to research more profoundly into topics related to neurolinguistics, EFL (English as a Foreign Language), anxiety control, didactic material, realia (objects of everyday life used as aids to teach) and practical activities related to the students’ comprehension. Finally, with these concepts and strategies, appropriate activities and lessons were designed, which made it possible for the students to develop their progress in the acquisition and learning of EFL at a beginners’ level.