An exploratory foreign language curriculum: The creative application of RICH in senior high school English instruction

Yu Fu

doi:10.54475/jlt.2022.006

Authors

Yu Fu The Southwest Center for Ethnic Education and Psychology Research, Southwest University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54475/jlt.2022.006

Keywords:

RICH, senior high school English instructions, research-based learning, integrated curriculum, cooperative learning, humanistic outcomes

Abstract

Purpose With the rapid development of globalization, foreign language learners are supposed to have the ability to use the language in intercultural communication accurately and appropriately. However, guided by the traditional teacher-centered language teaching and learning model, learners cannot meet the requirements of social development because the knowledge that students acquire is rather limited, let alone learning and applying abilities. Meanwhile, their interest in learning a foreign language cannot be fully stimulated. RICH, a creative curriculum concept, combines Research-based Learning, Integrated Curriculum, Cooperative Learning, and Humanistic Outcomes. The new curriculum concept aims to lead students to enter the language classroom as thinkers and researchers, developing their humanistic qualities and their abilities to use the English language in practice through interdisciplinary studies so as to promote their intercultural communicative ability eventually. Methods To test the applicability of RICH in senior high English school instruction, qualitative and quantitative research methods were employed, including one academic year’s teaching experiment lasting from 2020 through 2021, video recordings of instructing cases, and semi-open interviews with some subjects. Results Research data has demonstrated that RICH can be of great help in creatively designing and implementing key competence cultivation-oriented English instructions in the context of the New Curriculum Standards for senior high school English instruction.

Author Biography

Yu Fu, The Southwest Center for Ethnic Education and Psychology Research, Southwest University

Yu Fu is a Ph.D. candidate and associate professor at the Southwest Center for Ethnic Education and Psychology Research at Southwest University. Her main research interests are the basic theory of curriculum and teaching and second language acquisition and teaching.

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