Implications of Using Case Study Instruction in a Foreign/Second Language Methods Course

Abstract

Abstract: To date, very little has been written about what kind of experiences foreign and second language teachers had during their preservice teaching internships and the implications of these experiences on the quality of foreign and second language instruction in the United States in K‐12 settings. This article presents the case study of one student teacher intern involved in his 15‐week experience in a linguistically and culturally diverse secondary school setting and how his case was used in a foreign/second language methodology course. It examines the extent and nature of the student's critical reflections in determining the basis of sound methodological and pedagogical approaches to second language instruction. Furthermore, it demonstrates the design and development of this case as a case study and the benefits of its use in one particular teacher education program. Additionally, this article highlights, within the case study, the utilization of reflection and the creation of the professional development portfolio. Results indicated that the case‐based method can be an instructional tool in a methods class. Students studying this case in the teacher education program discovered that they were able to link theory to practice and could understand and use educational theories and principles in becoming effective educators.