Читать книгу English in Inclusive Multilingual Preschools - Kirsten Birsak de Jersey - Страница 4

When I took on the challenge of researching in the field of English preschool teacher education for this PhD work, I knew I had years of hard work in front of me. I could not have kept my motivation up had I not had the supportive environment in my family, my friends and colleges, and especially academically. “Without sufficient motivation, individuals with the most remarkable abilities cannot accomplish long-term goals” (Guilloteaux & Dörnyei 2008: 56). Though I am still not so convinced about having ‘remarkable abilities’, I can proudly present now the output of this long-term research. A number of people I want to sincerely thank:

My deep gratitude firstly goes to Marita Schocker for her brilliant academic guidance and emotional support. She helped me to find my path through the maze of research processes and assisted me to find the way back onto the right track when I got lost in a one-way street. She has become a true friend in rain and sunshine. At the same time, I had the luck of being advised by Michael Legutke, always at the right time. He clarified my sense of direction, kept me on track together with the encouragement that he believed in my research, that it was a new field of study and would be a worthwhile contribution to early foreign language teaching and learning, for which I extend my thanks and much appreciation. I am also thankful to Vivienne Mellor-Schwartze for her readiness to answer quick question at any time. Special thanks has to go to all the enthusiastic and devoted preschool teachers who were prepared to leave the trodden path to try something new and challenging in the ways of language teaching. Teaching cooperatively and researching together was an enriching and inspiring experience for us all and I appreciate their dedication during the project. I always admired their patience and professionalism in the care for all the children and the respect they held for each little personality. The interest and eagerness for language learning the children showed throughout the project was the best proof for all involved that we are doing the right thing. Their enthusiasm to learn English, their laughter and affection were our reward.

In my personal life, this research could not have possibly been achieved had it not been for the patience of my family and sacrifices, understanding and devotion of my husband, Rupert. My daughter Olivia deserves extra thanks for patiently giving her statistical expertise and my son Clemens for saving me ever so often with his IT abilities. Even though we live on the other side of the world from each other, my mother, Tonia, has remained my constant internet companion, brain-stormer, follower and critical reader of the trials and tribulations of this research.