An examination of English language teaching practices in an Innu setting from 1951 to 1982

Vardy, Brian William (1983) An examination of English language teaching practices in an Innu setting from 1951 to 1982. Masters thesis, Memorial University of Newfoundland.

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Abstract

An examination of the English language teachers practices in Sheshatshit (the Indian community adjacent to North West River) is viewed by this writer as the first step in preparing for a total evaluation of the school's program of studies. It is felt that any determination of a needs assessment requires information on the student, the community, and, or course, on previous attempts to meet needs. Limitations of this study are obvious: a complete evaluation would be a long-term project at considerable cost. What is intended is an overview of the events which have led to the present program of studies in English language. Little has been written on the history of education in this area, and even less has been written on the school's attempt to deal with what must have been an impossible situation. The facts as they have been determined will be presented and brief analyses will be attempted. -- In this paper there are more questions to be asked than answers given. However, a review of relevant literature in the area of second language teaching and testing will serve to place the actual happenings in perspective. -- There is no doubt that if educators of the day had been more aware of the complexities of second language teaching they would have sought out available literature in the area. Instead, they chose to go it alone as it were, charting a course without a map. This applies to every level within the educational system, as will be demonstrated throughout the study. -- While the past cannot be altered, the future remains a challenge. This writer is calling for the educators of today to consider the past, evaluate the present, and prepare for the future needs of students. -- The sources upon which the following account is based are wide and varied. Certain historical facts were retrieved from personal contacts, telephone calls and letters to people in Labrador. Recent issues of Decks Awash and Them Days Magazine were extremely helpful, as well. (See Bibliography)

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