Browsing by Subject "Communicative"
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Item Grammar sequencing in the communicative Arabic classroom : students’ written production(2013-05) Kauffman, Alan Ray; Al-Batal, MahmoudOver the course of the past 20 years, the rise in popularity of communicative language teaching as an alternative to traditional methodologies in Arabic-language pedagogy has led many within the field to re-examine their instructional priorities and methodological tenets. In general, traditional pedagogical approaches in the field of Arabic-language instruction dictate front-loaded presentation of grammatical concepts. The premise of communicative language teaching, on the other hand, is based on the primacy of successful foreign language interactions, where students are sequentially provided the grammatical concepts that are required to accomplish specific and targeted communicative functions and tasks. Concordantly, the instruction of grammar concepts that are deemed surplus to the requirements of level-appropriate interactions is deferred until the student has become linguistically prepared to incorporate and effectively utilize more complex grammatical structures. This thesis presents the results of a study of students’ spontaneous and planned written production in Arabic focusing on the production of dual and feminine plural forms, which have been strategically delayed in the sequence of grammar presentation. Additionally, individual interviews with both students and instructors were conducted to gather their impressions of, and strategies for, dealing with the sequence of grammar presentation in which these concepts are delayed. Results indicate that students who were not presented detailed instruction regarding the dual and feminine plural constructs early in their pedagogical sequence displayed level-appropriate patterns of avoidance and generalization in their early language production. As students progressed through the third-year courses and into post third-year courses, they displayed high levels of successful incorporation of the Modern Standard Arabic dual and feminine plural forms in their written production. With their successful conceptual uptake, the learners demonstrate their ability to acquire grammatical concepts despite the sequential delay in presentation thereof. Interview results show students’ and instructors’ awareness of the intent and focus of the pedagogical sequence. Based on their personal experience in studying and/or teaching Arabic, and despite instances of frustrations or challenges arising from the delay in grammar sequence, all interviewees expressed their support and endorsement of the methodology.Item Participants and Information Outcomes in Planning Organizations(2012-10-19) Bierling, DavidThis research presents empirical evidence and interpretation about the effects of planning participants and contextual factors on information selection in public organizations. The study addresses important research questions and gaps in the literature about applicability of planning theory to practice, about effects of planning participants and participant diversity on information selection, and about community and organizational factors that influence information selection in the planning process. The research informs emergency planning, practice, and guidance, as well as planning theory and practice in general. The research sample consists of survey data from 183 local emergency planning committees (LEPCs) about their conduct of hazardous materials commodity flow studies (HMCFS), along with data from other secondary sources. HMCFS projects collect information about hazardous materials (HazMat) transport that can be used in a wide range of local emergency planning and community planning applications. This study takes the perspective that socio-cultural frameworks, such as organizational norms and values, influence information behaviors of planning participants. Controlling for organizational and community factors, the participation of community planners in HMCFS projects has a significant positive effect on selection of communicative information sources. Participation of HazMat responders in HMCFS projects does not have a significant negative effect on selection of communicative information sources. The diversity of HMCFS participants has a significant positive effect on information selection diversity. Other organizational and community factors, such as vicarious experience, 'know-how' and direct experience, financial resources, and knowledge/perception of hazards and risks are also important influences on information selection behavior. Results of this study are applicable to planning entities that are likely to use planning information: proactive LEPCs, planning agencies, and planning consortiums. The results are also applicable to community planners in local planning agencies and emergency responders in local emergency response agencies, and public planning organizations in general. In addition to providing evidence about the applicability of communicative rationality in planning practice, this research suggests that institutional/contextual, bounded, instrumental, and political rationalities may also in influence conduct of planning projects. Four corresponding prescriptive recommendations are made for planning theory and practice.