The AIM (Accelerative Integrated Method) is a gesture-supported language teaching methodology developed over the past ten years by B.C. educator Wendy Maxwell and now widely implemented throughout K-12 school boards throughout Canada and the U.S. Its outcomes-based approach coincides with the objectives of the Common European Framework of Reference for languages now being implemented in language teaching worldwide. The AIM is currently being piloted in a section of beginners’ French at TRU. This is the first use of the methodology at the post-secondary level in Canada.
In this workshop will begin with a brief demonstration of the teaching technique by giving a sample interactive lesson using a fictitious language so that attendees can experience the methodology first-hand as learners. We will view some of the AIM materials and discuss how the methodology was applied in a section of FREN 1000 at TRU in 2013. A brief review of existing research on the method will be provided, and successes and opportunities will be discussed. The session will conclude with an overview of a formal research project now underway through the TRU Teaching and Learning Scholars program to measure the efficacy of the AIM in the post-secondary classroom. Audience participation, questions, input and discussion are highly encouraged.
This presentation may be of interest to second-language teachers at both the K-12 and post-secondary levels. It may also interest instructional designers and researchers working on second language acquisition, adult learning and gesture-based learning.
Of Interest to: Post-secondary education, K-12 educators, Instructional designers, Researchers
