Teaching EFL to Jordanian Students: New Strategies for Enhancing English Acquisition in a Distinct Middle Eastern Student Population (English As Foreign Second Language ) (Report‪)‬

1. Introduction While much research exists on English as a foreign second language practices in diverse settings, (i.e., China, France, Spain, Brazil, etc.) [1-5], ESL and EFL research has recently begun to examine L2 acquisition among learners in increasingly diverse settings, such as Vietnam, Malaysia and other Asian countries as well as African and Middle-Eastern countries [6-8]. However, despite Jordan's high profile global image and continual appearance in national and international contexts, little research has been conducted or published thus far on specific and effective EFL pedagogy for native Jordanian students. Although one recent study includes Jordanians among its research subjects [8], Lanteigne's work ultimately provides no insights into EFL practices in Jordan. Understandably, Middle-Eastern countries in general could be deemed as difficult for on-site, qualitative research(ers), especially for outsiders (i.e., Americans, other foreigners, etc.) wanting to travel to this region for these investigative purposes involving these populations [9-11]. Too, with the constant media coverage and portrayals-in line with agenda- setting theory [12]-focusing on the violent conflicts taking place in this region of the world, opportunities for research and study of EFL methods in Jordan have been limited. The research study presented here, however, has transcended these limitations through the unique collaboration of an American specialist in communication and ESL, an American university professor specializing in pedagogy for bilingual speakers of English and Spanish, and a native Jordanian EFL instructor. The essential findings of this study indicate that by applying free-flowing conversations and impromptu oral presentations as primary EFL communication and teaching strategies, these Jordanian students tend to achieve effective and fast English language acquisition. Furthermore, we feel that as Jordan and neighboring areas of the Middle East continue to play major roles in global politics, this study could have implications for the advancement of cultural, political, and social understanding of this region.