Strengthening Formal Word Utilization in Amharic Language Classroom Instruction

The Case of Third Year Trainees of Debre Markos Teachers’ Education College, Amhara Region, Ethiopia

Abstract

This study was aimed at identifying prospective teachers’ word utilization and improve their formal word selection and utilization in the Amharic language instructional process. This research was carried out in the Amharic Language Department of Debre Markos Teachers’ College. In doing this research, the researchers recorded the names of all the participants and coded them while they were learning about vocabulary in chapter two of the course entitled ‘Basic Mother Tongue’. The purpose of vocabulary and language learning is to help learners not to use informal vocabulary for social communication and properly utilize formal words and phrases, and as the informants are the will be language teachers, it is to help them become role models for their respective students at primary schools. The researchers tried to solve the observed problems using the regular class provision by simply focusing on the prospective teacher who made reflections in each session. After providing these strategies for the 16 sessions, all the prospective teachers showed significant improvement except one prospective teacher. As per our plan, for one of the prospective teachers who failed to show changes using the two strategies was made to hear a video of renowned Amharic Language professional’s speech. In spite of all these attempts, the prospective teacher did not show significant changes in formal word utilization while making reflections. As a result, the researchers made a plan to work with the remaining prospective teacher.