The implementation of integrated curriculum in teaching english to young learners at tk al azhar syifa budi solo (A Case Study)

Oleh :
Nisa Aulia Azam - S891108072 - Sekolah Pascasarjana

This study aims at: (1) describing the teaching of English in an integrated curriculum and (2) exploring the effects of the teaching on students’ second language acquisition. This study applies a case study method which had been carried out at TK Al Azhar Syifa Budi Solo in the first semester of the academic year of 2012/2013. The data were collected through observation, interview, and questionnaire. The data were, then, analyzed through constant comparative method. Firstly, the result of the study shows the description of the language teaching in integrated curriculum in which its purpose is to introduce English as an international language. English is introduced gradually and used as an additional instructional language. Integrated curriculum brings best practices of teaching English at kindergarten in two major terms: the learning activities and the learning program. The best practices of teaching English at TK Al Azhar Syifa Budi Solo are: (1) English is introduced gradually to the students, (2) teaching English to young learners needs to consider their nature: children like to play and have fun, (3) the appropriate combinations of teaching technique, class activities, learning material, and media support the teaching-learning process, (4) parents’ support is essential in child’s English learning, (5) teachers’ professional development is highly required in teaching English to young learners, and (6) the need of considering the continuity with higher school level should be considered in every language program at kindergarten. Secondly, the result shows that (1) the teaching of English has attracted the students’ interest so that they can experience second language acquisition in more natural context and (2) language interference in children’s second language acquisition always occur, yet they are able to cope with it while completing the acquisition process. Considering the result of this study, the model of English teaching carried out at TK AL Azhar Syifa Budi Solo bring positive effects toward the students’ language acquisition, so that it could be an alternative way of teaching English to young learners in other schools. Besides, it is important for teachers of bilingual classes to be able to motivate themselves to improve their qualifications. Finally, it is hoped that the further research could take into account the other external factors supporting the teaching of English to young learners. Keywords: integrated curriculum, English teaching, young learners, kindergarten, case study