Second Language Acquisition: Experiential introduction to the six-phase program utilizing the growing participator approach

摘要

This paper describes the Six-Phase Program for second language learning. This methodology is based on Thomson's Growing Participator Approach (GPA). The GPA is a set of principles for learning a language. The primary assumption of the GPA is that language and culture cannot be separated. Therefore, when learning a language you are also learning the culture and growing into a full participator of life in the host culture. The approach puts a strong emphasis on valuing the host culture. The Six-Phase Program is one set of techniques based on the principles of the GPA. The program has six phases of activities. These activities are spent in the learner's Zone of Proximal Development with a nurturer from the host culture. These activities are designed to encourage comprehension before production. Based on our personal experience and a survey of nine nurturers at a language school that uses the Six-Phase Program, we found that the program is strong in teaching vocabulary and culture. It is one of the best methods for learning a smaller language with limited resources, because the method does not require textbooks or formally trained teachers. Another strength is that the program gives the tools to continue learning the language and culture long term.