Abstract
The paper discusses the cognitive academic language learning approach (CALLA) that is based on cognitive theory and focuses on second-language learners. The paper explains the main tenets of CALLA and the many ways to implement CALLA strategies in the classroom. The paper asserts that CALLA has been successful in many ESL, EFL, foreign language and general education classrooms.

From the Paper
"CALLA instruction is based on several tenets. The CALLA model holds that most students can profit from receiving instruction in learning strategies. Chamot and O'Malley state that "many students lack academic language skills that would enable them to use English as a tool for learning" and that adding more academic content to ESL programs helps students become ready for academic grade-level content within their classrooms. The CALLA model is continually being developed and modified based on experiences of CALLA teachers and their school districts across the country. Since CALLA is a relatively new model it is beneficial to the creators that they continue to do research and include the opinions of teachers actually using the program. Like part of the CALLA model itself, on-going assessment is key to its success."

Tags:students, linguistics, assessment, content

Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that the CALLA Handbook by Chamot and O'Malley and "Making a Difference in the Lives of Bilingual/Bicultural Children", edited by Soto, both promote better and more comprehensive teaching for students whose first language is different than that of their instructional language in school. The writer maintains that frequently the American school system has failed these children by not providing the services they need or by teaching in a way that makes the children abandon their first language or culture. The writer discusses that through applying the material in the CALLA Handbook and from the Soto book, teachers can create a more positive and effective learning environment for their English Language Learner students.

Outline:
Abstract
Soto and CALLA
Evaluating Soto/CALLA Ideas to Work Experience

From the Paper
"Soto challenges curriculum and teacher preparation courses and how effectively they prepare teachers for working with students who are culturally different from the majority of white teachers. It seems that CALLA was a direct answer to that challenge. CALLA strives to serve English Language Learners while also helping them maintain their own cultural identities. The original concept of CALLA came from long research into second language and ESL education programs already in existence; they built on what was working in those programs and modified parts that were not working and changed them for the better. CALLA provides many strategies for many different learning types; all of which help support English Language Learners in the classroom."

Tags:special, education, multiculturalism, education, ESL, EFL

Abstract
This paper explains that Jocelyn Smrekar in her article 'Early Childhood Bilingual Classrooms' by (2005) suggests that the bilingual education of young children should not be merely about language acquisition but also about a kind of cultural meeting of the minds of teachers and students of a variety of different backgrounds. The author points out that Smrekar's views in this sense coalesces with the esteemed cognitive academic language learning approach (CALLA), which states that valuing the student's own prior knowledge and cultural experiences and relating this knowledge to academic learning in a new language and culture is a key aspect of creating a learning-friendly environment for foreign language acquisition. The paper criticizes Smrekar because, unlike CALLA, she does not give much advice for teachers in terms of creating hands-on approaches that might be effective in the everyday life of the classroom.

Table of Contents:
Article Summary
In Favor of the Article's Point of View
Against the Article
Summary

From the Paper
"Smrekar provides helpful reminders that young children do not learn language as if by magic, rather individual students may vary in the levels of exposure they have to the language at home and in their social environments. She also encourages teachers not to judge student's overall intelligence harshly, merely because they make common initial linguistic mistakes in using English such as code mixing, or referring with a specific word to all general examples of a type, or conversely use under-extensions of specific vocabulary words, or not using a general vocabulary word in a host of specific contexts."

Tags:calla, empowering, diverse, hands-on, culture