Current Search: Mealor, David J. (x)
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Title
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Spanish Language Learning as a Determinant of Knowledge of Hispanic Culture in Secondary Schools.
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Creator
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Balado, Carl R., Mealor, David J., Florida Atlantic University
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Abstract/Description
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The purpose of the study was to determine if the learning of the Spanish language is a determinant of knowledge of Hispanic culture in secondary schools. The consulted literature provided a dichotomy of opinion regarding the generally accepted statement that foreign language instruction does automatically afford students an opportunity to become aware of the cultural aspects of the targeted group in comparison to students who had never studied a foreign language. However, the literature also...
Show moreThe purpose of the study was to determine if the learning of the Spanish language is a determinant of knowledge of Hispanic culture in secondary schools. The consulted literature provided a dichotomy of opinion regarding the generally accepted statement that foreign language instruction does automatically afford students an opportunity to become aware of the cultural aspects of the targeted group in comparison to students who had never studied a foreign language. However, the literature also indicated that this assumption has not been substantiated by research. A total of 408 students (204 Spanish language students and 204 non-Spanish language students) from eight high schools in Brevard County, Florida, were selected to participate in the study. Half of these students had attended a minimum of two years and a maximum of three years of Spanish language classes. There was no attempt to control for sex, race, age, socio-economic status or measured intelligence. Since an appropriate commercial instrument to measure the intended goal was not located, the writer designed a data collection instrument. The instrument was validated by standard statistical procedure. The researcher found that no significant difference in knowledge of Hispanic culture existed between students in Spanish language classes and students in non-Spanish language classes. However, a significant difference did exist in knowledge of Hispanic culture between Spanish II and Spanish III students. Students in Spanish III language classes scored consistently higher than students in Spanish II language classes. It was also evident that when students in Spanish II were parcelled out and Spanish III students' performance on the test was compared with non-Spanish language students there was a significant difference in favor of Spanish III language students. Recommendations that a careful analysis of the Spanish language curriculum be undertaken and that there be developed and implemented cultural component objectives starting with the Spanish I course were among those growing out of the study.
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Date Issued
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1984
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PURL
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http://purl.flvc.org/fau/fd/FA00000647
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Subject Headings
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Spanish language, Civilization, Hispanic--Social life and customs, Education, Secondary
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Format
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Document (PDF)
