Project Description

I began working on this project in 2021 as a proposal for a Fulbright Scholarship. Though I achieved nomination status, I did not receive the 2nd phase recommendation.   I then applied for a Research, Scholarship and Creative Activity grant through San Jose State University in  2023 and won an RSCA award in 2024.  In 2024 I visited Taiwan for 5 weeks in May through June and began collaboration  with the National Changhua University of Education's Art Department and International Studies Department.

My RSCA Project Proposal

Maintaining Cultural Integrity while Teaching in English: Developing New Techniques for Teaching English as a Foreign Language through Art

Traditional curricula for Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) does not offer methods for the preservation of cultural integrity of other cultures.  In the study of the world’s cultures, it has become increasingly clear that different tribes not only have different languages, they have different world views which are reflected in their languages. (Yule, G., pp. 195-196)  Current TEFL curriculum and instruction does not include strategies for retaining cultures’ foundational values. Instead, instruction relies on direct word substitution and generalized curriculum and instruction. I am applying for an RSCA Seed Grant to fund my work developing TEFL instruction techniques and curriculum design that support cultural values and facilitate language acquisition through visual arts.  I hope to develop a model that will contribute to TEFL curriculum design and potentially be used as an example for culturally responsive.