Needs-based Course Evaluation of Teaching and Learning English in Primary Education: A Case form a 2nd Grade Classroom

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to investigate the attitudes and reflections of young learners as well as their teachers toward learning and teaching English in the 2nd grade classrooms. The study also attempts to find out whether the existing course meets the students’ language and learning needs. A sample of 70 Turkish EFL students and 3 teachers enrolled participated in this research. The data were gathered through a scale and reflection drawing tasks administered to the students as well as collaborative diary written by the teachers. The findings revealed that the 2^nd grade students had positive attitudes toward learning English through playing games, watching videos and singing songs whereas they were less interested in writing, doing homework and studying course book. Besides, the teachers expressed their positive reflections focusing on student engagement and motivation as the key points while teaching English in their classes. Based on the gathered data, suggestions and implications are provided for the improvement of the existing 2^nd grade English course in the following academic year. 

Keywords

• Language needs,Attitudes,Reflections,Primary education,EFL

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