Teaching Phatic Communion in Adult English Language Programs
Location
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
Description
PURPOSE: Adult English language programs assist learners in developing language skills used in their daily lives. While instructors may be prepared to support students regarding transactional interactions, they may not be adequately prepared to instruct students in phatic communion, commonly referred to as small talk. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the current role of phatic communion in adult English language classrooms and determine the degree to which adult English instructors are prepared to teach this topic. Additionally, this project aimed to construct professional development training materials regarding phatic communion for adult English instructors. PROCEDURES: Using Hymes’ theory of communicative competence as a framework, empirical literature was critically reviewed. In response to the conclusions drawn from literature analysis, research-based professional development training materials were constructed for use by adult English language instructors. OUTCOME: A review of current literature revealed that adult English instructors recognize the value of cultivating student skills related to phatic communion. However, instructors are often ill prepared to effectively implement phatic communion lessons into their curriculum. IMPACT: This project developed training materials that will better prepare adult English instructors to meet the interpersonal communicative needs of adult English learners. IMPACT: This work illustrates the importance of phatic communion instruction in adult English classrooms. The professional training materials developed promote the abilities of adult English instructors to effectively teach English learners phatic communion skills. This work will encourage the maturation of communicative competence skills crucial to personal and professional advancement of adult English language learners.
Teaching Phatic Communion in Adult English Language Programs
Hager-Lubbers Exhibition Hall
PURPOSE: Adult English language programs assist learners in developing language skills used in their daily lives. While instructors may be prepared to support students regarding transactional interactions, they may not be adequately prepared to instruct students in phatic communion, commonly referred to as small talk. The purpose of this project was to evaluate the current role of phatic communion in adult English language classrooms and determine the degree to which adult English instructors are prepared to teach this topic. Additionally, this project aimed to construct professional development training materials regarding phatic communion for adult English instructors. PROCEDURES: Using Hymes’ theory of communicative competence as a framework, empirical literature was critically reviewed. In response to the conclusions drawn from literature analysis, research-based professional development training materials were constructed for use by adult English language instructors. OUTCOME: A review of current literature revealed that adult English instructors recognize the value of cultivating student skills related to phatic communion. However, instructors are often ill prepared to effectively implement phatic communion lessons into their curriculum. IMPACT: This project developed training materials that will better prepare adult English instructors to meet the interpersonal communicative needs of adult English learners. IMPACT: This work illustrates the importance of phatic communion instruction in adult English classrooms. The professional training materials developed promote the abilities of adult English instructors to effectively teach English learners phatic communion skills. This work will encourage the maturation of communicative competence skills crucial to personal and professional advancement of adult English language learners.