Sustainable Development Goals

Abstract/Objectives

Mastering English prepositions is a significant challenge for language learners, primarily due to their polysemous nature and similarities in meaning, which can confuse learners. Traditional teaching methods often present prepositions through dictionary definitions, leading to rote memorization without understanding the subtle differences. This study investigates the effect of using Image schemas, drawn from cognitive linguistics, to teach English prepositions. 64 Taiwanese eighth-grade students from three classes participated in the study. Two instructional methods were applied: Traditional instruction with dictionary definitions, and Image schema-based instruction using schematic diagrams. The study focused on four prepositions: over vs. above and to vs. for, selected for their polysemy and similarity in meaning. Each group received three treatment sessions, and pretest-posttest data were collected through a gap-filling test with 36 items. The test was administered before, immediately after, and two weeks after the treatment to assess the effectiveness of the different teaching methods.

Results/Contributions （500 words）

The Graduate Thesis Presentation of the Institute of Foreign Languages and Literature successfully provided graduate students with a valuable opportunity to experience a formal defense setting before their actual oral examination. This event allowed students to familiarize themselves with the academic presentation process and refine their communication skills. By presenting their research, students received constructive feedback from both their advisors and the audience, helping them further improve their thesis content and delivery. The event was open to faculty and students, fostering academic exchange and exposing attendees to a wide range of research topics and methodologies. Faculty feedback not only provided specific suggestions but also encouraged deeper scholarly discussions, enhancing students’ critical thinking skills. Overall, this event effectively strengthened graduate students' confidence and academic presentation abilities, ensuring they are well-prepared for their final thesis defense.

Keywords

Image schema、polysemous、teaching methods