Process
What Was The Problem/Need?
Not enough parents were getting their children to learn a second language during the critical period (0-12).
How Did I Identify The Problem/Need?
Before my research, I saw in my day to day life how children who grew up to know only one language were at a disadvantage compared to those who knew two or more.
How Did I Decide To Address the Problem/Need?
I created and advertised a website so adults (12+) could teach themselves basic Japanese and in the process begin to recognize how important knowing a second language is.
Who Did I Identify As A Collaborator?
The Japanese teacher here at BACS, Nahoko Collis, was my main outside collaborator, because she knows Japanese and could help provide me with books and resources to get me started, but also with a special insight on Japanese culture.
What Steps Did I Take To Address The Problem/Need?
I began by securing a domain name. It changed twice before I decided upon "Simple Japanese." Then I worked to add vocabulary, phrases, hiragana, and katakana. Finally, I added information about the culture, which ranged from holidays to anime. Still, my true focus was the language itself.
How Did I Overcome Challenges?
Although many of the people and places I contacted--like Small Talk Language Academy, the Global Language Network, and the Japanese teacher at Classical--could not help me in the end, I never gave up. I used resources I had on hand when things didn't go as planned. I tried again and again until I found something that worked for me. In the case of the Japanese teacher at Classical, I was able to substitute a visit with her with a visit to a Japanese teacher from Amherst College.
Evidence
Proposal
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Project Proposal | |
File Size: | 295 kb |
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Hour Log
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Hour Log | |
File Size: | 15 kb |
File Type: | xlsx |
Journals
Coach Meetings
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Coach Meetings | |
File Size: | 205 kb |
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Emails
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Interview: Nahoko Collis | |
File Size: | 79 kb |
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