Exploring effects of collaborative learning in enhancing teachers development in teaching English to young learners

Acting on the belief that the earlier children start to learn a foreign language the better, the Turkish Ministry of Education lowered the compulsory introduction of English to grade 4 in 1997. However, unlike many countries where foreign language education for young learners was first applied in pilot schools, Turkey encountered a very fast change in nature. This immediate change caused many problems for curriculum planners, educators, and for learners. The study conducted by Yıldırım and Şeker (2004) aimed to specify the problems faced at this level of education. The results revealed that there is a critical need for enhanced scheme of in-service teacher training for teachers? development of awareness of children?s language learning at both theoretical and practical level. In this study, it is suggested that the scheme for such training must assist teachers to ?perceive (and acquire) knowledge as personally constructed meaning? (Wilson, 1996, p.6) through participation in situated tasks, discussions, and reflection and to help them extend their knowledge and skills in teaching English to young learners. With these in mind, the study suggests an approach to teacher training referred as `collaborative learning model?. The participants of this study were three English teachers teaching grade 4 at public primary schools. The researcher acted as a participant observer, referring ?to the role of the researcher as an insider in regard to being part of the community and as an outsider as a researcher? (Yıldırım, 2001). The data was collected using a triangulated approach in which Repartory-Grid, journals, and audiorecordings of the weekly meetings held for eight months were used. The findings are meant to make available specific proposals for directions in which this level of teacher education can move. Key Words: Young learners, teacher training, Teaching English to Young Learners (TEYL), situated learning, collaboration.