Abstract
As a learning strategy for expediting students' knowledge of a second language, a simple, yet effective, method to enhance total comprehension and foster retentiveness of class material while simultaneously promoting computer literacy is suggested. The process involved in developing this so-called Roundtrip Method includes inputting English song lyrics in Hyper Text Markup Language (HTML) format on personal computers and linking selected keywords from the song lyrics to their respective Japanese meanings and original English sentences based on the keywords. Translation of the song lyrics into Japanese and subsequent re-translation into English is an inextricable feature that rounds out the process. And, after this somewhat mechanical translation/retranslation aspect of the process, composing an original summary in Japanese of the overall meaning of the song based on an initial English dictation and subsequently recomposing it back into an original English summary completes the process. This method also boasts employment of the full use of the senses of sound, sight, and touch. Students are aurally tasked with a dictation exercise and administered a cloze-type (fill-in-the-blanks) listening exercise, and as the process initially involves the use of a text and then constant use of a personal computer thereafter, eyes and hands become indispensable in completing the process. Furthermore, this hands-on method also affords the luxury of individualized teacher-to-student attention as well as student-to-student communication in achieving its desired result. Working alone or in groups, and having been assigned with well-defined, mechanical objectives, the students easily focus on their projects leaving the instructor free to devote attention to each and every individual or group as warranted. This paper will examine the procedures utilized in developing this original Roundtrip Method and demonstrate the components of the process giving brief examples of work by students involved in its genesis. Observations by the students and instructors will be offered as well as suggestions for its effective use.
