Movement in ELT

Bc. Andrea Havlíčková

Master's thesis

Abstract:

The topic of this Diploma thesis is Movement in ELT. The prime concern of this thesis is to find some support for the theory that movement-based activities and movement as such are very helpful and useful in the learning process. The research questions ask whether the teachers use the movement-based activities and if yes, for what purpose. In the theoretical part, I examine research that has been already done on this topic. I include some information about the Theory of Multiple Intelligence and the Learning Style Theory. I also mention the specific movement-based theories, such as Total Physical Response and Action Based Learning. I look at the topic of the teachers that are reluctant to use these activities and what possible problems they can face if they ever try it. Finally, I concentrate on the specific kinaesthetic-learning activities, such as simulations, role-plays, drama, plays and drama games. The research part of this thesis explore whether the theory mentioned so far actually exists. The questionnaire has shown that the teachers use the movement-based activities and that they are able to solve problems, which can occur in class when using these activities. The observation also proved the theory to be true. I made a list of the specific examples of the activities that were used in the Faculty of Arts Language School and in the Methodology course.

Keywords

movement, movement-based activities, kinaesthetic-learning activities, TPR, Drama, games, problems and challenges, Multiple Intelligences, VAK, warm-ups, energizers and fillers, revising activities, reluctant teachers

Language used: English

Date on which the thesis was submitted / produced: 2. 6. 2008

Thesis defence

• Date of defence: 10. 6. 2008
• Supervisor: PhDr. Jarmila Fictumová

Masaryk University

Faculty of Arts

Master programme / field:
Teacher Training for Secondary Schools / Upper Secondary School Teacher Training in English Language and Literature