Abstract This paper takes a look at the negative consequences to Americans and American society suffered as a result of minimal foreign language skills. The paper compares the minimal emphasis that the American educational system places on learning a foreign language to the much stronger emphasis placed on learning a foreign language in virtually all other countries and then explains why the American educational system would be wise to implement better foreign language programs and promote the acquisition of a foreign language.
From the Paper "The world has about 6,000 different languages, give or take a few. Linguists predict that at least half of those may have disappeared by the year 2050, which means languages are becoming extinct at twice the rate of endangered animals and four times the rate of endangered birds. Predictions are that a dozen languages may dominate the world of the future at best. (Ostler, 2002) For Americans, that's probably a good thing, since we are seemingly genetically engineered to maintain an appalling ignorance of other languages, and have narrowed down the choices we offer our young people to approximately one, Spanish, viewed by many to be the easiest foreign language to learn. It has been described in various places as having an ?impoverished vocabulary,? which means less work for Dick and Jane. The American education system so far is doing nothing to reverse the endangered languages trend, and much to promote it. In fact, there has been a criminal drop-off in foreign language study in American high schools."
Abstract This research proposal paper discusses the reasons why English language acquisition and acculturation may not be high priorities for foreign language speakers in the United States. The paper specifically aims to identify opportunities for improvement in foreign languageeducational services among foreign-born children enrolled in elementary (not including kindergarten) and secondary schools in the United States.
Table of Contents:
Statement of the Problem
Research Questions
Information on the Data
Data Analysis Statistical Design
Appendix
From the Paper "According to U.S. Census data from 2000, the total number of foreign-born children enrolled in elementary (not including kindergarten) and secondary schools in the United States was around two-and-a-half million (Ernst-Slavit, Moore & Maloney, 2002). When students that were born in the United States to foreign-born parents are included in this total, the figure actually increases to more than 12 million students. According to Ernst-Slavit and his colleagues (2002), "Although not all students from these figures would be ESL students, a significant portion of them are likely to be. These figures also suggest the imminent reality that all teachers, at some point during their careers, will have in their classrooms at least one student for whom English is a second language" (p. 116). Indeed, in many parts of the country such as Texas and New Mexico, a majority of the students may be ESL students (Waters, 2007). According to this author, "Few trends have changed the demographics of U.S. elementary and secondary schools as dramatically as the record-high immigration of the past dozen years. Students who are learning English for the first time, better known as English language learners, make up a greater proportion of the K-12 population than ever before" Waters, 2007, p. 34)."
Abstract This paper explores recent trends and controversy regarding bilingual education and examines various methods for providing bilingual education. Additionally, recent educational trends in this field are discussed, including two-way bilingual education, integrated bilingual education, two-way immersion, and transitional bilingual. Issues such as preserving the students' native culture and language as well as their growth in both the native language and the newly acquired language are examined.
Outline:
Introduction
Differing Methods of Bilingual Instruction
English Only Mandates
Loss of Native Language Conclusion
From the Paper "Bilingual Education ideally encompasses dual language learning that can take on any number of forms (Jarvis, 2006). The vast majority of research supports bilingual education as a necessity to facilitate not only learning on non-native speakers of English, but as a tool to maintain and promote heritage language and culture (Adams & Jones 2006; Combs et.al., 2005; de Jong, 2006; Hasson, 2006; Jarvis, 2006; Lee, 2006; Lopez & Tashakkori, 2006; Moses, 2000; Nora, 2000;). While research continues to indicate the benefits of bilingual education there has been recent influx of "English-only" mandates (Adams & Jones, 2006, Combs et. al., 2005; Lee, 2006; Moses, 2000) which perpetuate injustice manifesting itself in various ways throughout the educational experience of English language learners (ELL) (Adams & Jones, 2006; Combs et. al., 2005; Hasson, 2006; Moses, 2000)."
Tags: ELL, English Language Learners, ESL, English Second Language, bilingualism, dual, english only, NCLB, No Child Left Behind, immersion, Hispanic, Spanish, monolingual
This paper argues in favor of the deaf or hard of hearing using American Sign Language or their native language over oralism or other methods of communication.
Abstract This paper explores the tradition of oralism vs. American Sign Language (ASL) in the West. Specifically the researcher proposes that deaf and hard of hearing students should be afforded opportunities to learn using their native language or American Sign Language. Forcing students to adopt other methods of learning including oralism or Signing Exact English (SEE) may promote frustration and inhibits learning in the classroom. This paper reviews the potential merits and demerits of each tradition, highlighting the significance of providing students with resources to use ASL in the classroom.
Table of Contents:
Introduction
Personal Philosophy
The Essential Nature of Human Beings
Basic Meaning or Purpose of Life
Determination of Morality
Constancy of Life: Unchanging or Always Changing?
Philosophy of Education My Perception of an Educational Philosophy
Why do you need a Philosophy?
What has been the Basis or Source of your Educational Philosophy?
How has your Philosophy Changed or Evolved over Time?
My formal Ideological and Philosophical Orientation
The Purpose of Education, Teaching and Schooling
Are Students Intrinsically Motivated to Learn?
Should Schools Address Human Differences such as Multiple Intelligence, Learning Styles etc. ?
Topics
Knowledge and Content
Knowledge with Knowing
My Conceptual Framework for Improving my Practice
Theoretical Framework for Improving Practice
Skills Competencies Necessary
Educational Skills Required
Communication Skills and Content
Nonverbal Communication Skills
Verbal Communication
Influence of Interpersonal Relationships
Importance of Self-Identity
Peer Relations
Influence of Support Networks
Knowledge and Learning
Direct vs. Indirect Learning
Direct vs. Indirect Communication
Conclusion
Reference
From the Paper "Many consider American Sign Language (ASL) the standard language beneficial for hard of hearing and deaf citizens. However, oralism shares a rich history much the same as ASL, and many often argue the potential merits and demerits of using one vs. another in an educational and communicational context. Wilcox & Peyton (1999) recognize that ASL is a fully developed language with unique grammar requirements distinguished from the English language (Coltrane, 2006). Oralism contrarily, involves lip reading to understand speech instead of using ASL to communicate with one another (Coltrane, 2006). This study will help review the merits and demerits of each, questioning whether one vs. the other is more beneficial for promoting communication and sharing among the deaf or hard of hearing community, or whether a combination of both may result in less frustrating choices among the hard of hearing and deaf community. "
Abstract In this article the writer discusses that unlike teaching a student how to diagram a cell in biology class or how to deconstruct a poem in English class, the aim of foreign languageeducation is not simply to teach students how to learn, but to impart a functional skill. This is especially true in English as a Second Language (ESL) education, where the students are acquiring a language that may become their primary language in their education or in their workplace. The writer points out that it is critical that students acquire language vocabulary that is likely to be useful for them in their daily lives, and that the students are quickly immersed in the language in a way that replicates their exposure to the language in daily life. In this paper, the writer looks at the communicative language teaching (CLT) approach, which stresses the fact that students learn to communicate through the action of communicating without merely learning about communicating in that language.
From the Paper "Unlike a purely structuralist approach to teaching language that stresses learning foreign grammar structures in isolated and often unnatural ways, the technique of language content-based immersion exposes students to a new language in a holistic fashion. Even a successful structuralist method, such as the audiolingual method, in which the foreign language lessons are arranged on grammatical principles but in which the students are not responsible for any metalanguage tends to isolate grammatical principles from one another in a way that is not commensurate with how students are exposed to language in the lived environment outside of the classroom, and also tends to isolate acquiring vocabulary through intuition from correct grammatical usage. In contrast, communicative orientation in language teaching, with a student-focused perspective, is more evident in a content-based immersion approach. Such an approach encourages students use new expressions to impart their desired meaning in a way that enables them to truly communicate what they want to say in a given situation, rather than replicate the language patterns of a teacher by rote. A communication-focused approach also breaks down possible inhibitions about using the second language and making mistakes, as sometimes the English language is not even the main focus of the classroom, merely communicating something interesting about another subject."
Abstract In this article, the writer claims that one may say that Stephen Krashen is an advocate of total immersion teaching to encourage second language learning in and out of the classroom. The writer points out that Krashen's techniques are worth studying because they provide educators with new approaches to teaching a second language in the classroom. Further, the writer notes that his techniques and hypotheses also counter traditional lecture style teaching and encourage educators to adopt more comprehensive practices to help students master a new language. The writer concludes that Krashen's techniques are important to study because they can provide educators with new methods for teaching second languages to students in a helpful and comprehensible environment.
Outline:
Introduction
Acquisition Learning
Monitor
Natural Order
Input
Affective Filter
Summary and Conclusions
From the Paper "This hypothesis is the basis of all other hypothesis presented by Krashen. The acquisition learning hypothesis focuses more on an individual's need to acquire skills in a second language than it focuses on the actual process of learning traditionally involved in a classroom setting. The whole basis of Krashen's concepts in fact, relies on one's ability to acquire language skills. The acquisition hypothesis suggests people have an acquired and learned system of entertaining a new language, with the acquisition process involving meaningful interaction in the "target language" . Using this hypothesis one may acquire language best through natural communications. Learned system process is the process of actually learning a language, like in a classroom environment."
Abstract This paper examines the various reasons why bilingual education is not only necessary but also effective. The writer of this paper stresses the need for bilingual education as a step to wean students from their native language as effectively as possible and to get them into the educational mainstream. Critics of bilingual education believe that non-English speaking students are not sufficiently mastering the English language and as a result low test scores prove that education is failing them in both their native as well as their second language.
From the Paper "For children in primary, secondary, or even college level grades, as well as for their parents, bilingual education is a "must". Money must be found to develop and maintain a number of such bilingual programs. Bilingual education is, to repeat, a transitional step to wean school children from their native language, as effectively as possible, and to get them into the educational mainstream."
This well-researched paper focuses on the rights of non-English speaking students to receive a fair and adequate education as well as the 14th amendment which guarantees equal protection under the law with regard to race or national origin.
Abstract This in-depth paper examines the xenophobic feeling prevalent in U.S. society which is exemplified by the laws of several states that display a hostile attitude toward foreigners and foreign languages. The writer of this paper discusses the lack of adequate English instruction in the school system which prevents non-English speaking students from receiving a proper education. This paper focuses on language rights in the U.S., which is a component of other rights as stated in the 14th amendment, that guarantees equal protection under law with regard to race or national origin. This informative paper cites numerous legal cases including the landmark bilingual education class action case of Lau vs. Nichols brought by non-English Chinese speaking students against the San Francisco Unified School District. This paper also explores the effectiveness of the Educational Opportunities Act of 1974 that requires affirmative action by a school district in overcoming language barriers that impede a student's equal participation in the educational process.
From the Paper "Although not related to a foreign language, the case Martin Luther King Jr. Elementary School Children v. Ann Arbor School District (1979) speaks to a lawsuit 11 black children brought against the AASD school board regarding an English dialect. According to the court, the plaintiffs assert that the children speak a version of "black English," otherwise known as Ebonics, as their community and home language, which impedes their equal participation in the educational process, and the school has not taken appropriate action to overcome the barrier. The District Court indicates that this case is an effort to require the school district to take appropriate action to teach the black children to read in standard English. Witnesses before the court testified that Ebonics is a language system that differs significantly from standard English and has been used at some time by 80 percent of the black people of this country. This dialect is especially prevalent in areas where there are concentrations of black people, and it contains aspects of Southern dialect that is used largely by black people in their casual conversation and informal talk."
Abstract This paper examines how bilingual education programs, such as those implemented by Chicago Public schools, provide students whose native language is not English a means to acquire adequate education in a diverse and nurturing environment. It looks at how many opponents of bilingual education programs have stated that such programs merely perpetuate the lack of fluency in the English language for non-native speakers. However, it shows how programs actually encourage students to become more fluent and cognizant in the English language, and often learn in a more enjoyable and supportive environment than others.
Outline
Background
Chicago's Bilingual Program
Teacher Instruction
Research
Data
Controversy
Conclusion
From the Paper "The transitional program provides language instruction in the native language first, and then in English. For many students the native language is Hispanic. Many educational studies exist that show that students enrolled in Bilingual programs such as those offered in Chicago schools typically learn English more quickly than those not enrolled, and typically drop out of high school at a reduced rate (Dinges, 1976). One of the reasons hypothesized for this dramatic reduction in drop out rates is the likelihood that a students attitude will be significantly better in a bilingual program. Students feel less ostracized, and understand more easily the lessons offered in a bilingual setting. Additionally, they are surrounded by students facing the same challenges, and are more likely to feel that they are among peers."
Abstract The purpose of this discussion is to analyze the impact of language, culture and community on education. The main focus of the paper is an analysis of the importance of a common language within the classroom. The paper begins with a discussion of the definition of language. The writer believes that as America continues to grow in diversity, the education system will have to deal with problems associated with language and cultural differences.
From the Paper "Language is one of the most important components of any society and allows individuals to communicate with one another. In the educational environment speaking a common language is essential to the learning process. When teachers and students speak and understand the same language the results can be dramatic. Students are able to learn more comprehensively and teachers are able to communicate more effectively with parents."
Tags: teacher, student, family, ethnic, speech, education, class
Abstract This paper argues that English-language learners (ELLs) and underprivileged and minority children that have difficulty fitting in with mainstream schools need more latitude in dealing with their language and socio-economic barriers. The author of the paper is of the opinion that bilingual programs and charter schools hold the best hope for providing them with a foundation to succeed despite their initial limitations. Bilingual programs allow students to learn in the only language that they understand and charter schools devise programs that serve the needs of children that have had trouble succeeding in traditional schools.
From the Paper "Bilingual education would be a better way to pursue the welfare of ELL students for several reasons. Contrary to popular fears, bilingual education does not prevent students from learning English or from assimilating into American culture. Instead, bilingual education teaches English in a very effective manner while providing students with the ability to learn academic content through their native language that they are the most comfortable with. Thus, students become proficient in two languages that will prove beneficial in adulthood, without sacrificing their ability to do well in school because they can"t understand their teachers. With respect to the sheltered instruction/structured immersion option, it's simply not fair to offer inferior academic content to students that can"t speak English. This, in essence, denies them the right to an equal education."
Abstract This paper examines the effectiveness of bilingual learning through reflecting on the history of bilingual education. The author includes a description of the state's purposes and objectives within bilingual programs, discusses the sociological issues within language learning, and how this affects self and group identities. The paper also addresses the outcomes of bilingual education, including the ways in which it has changed since its conception, before addressing whether or not bilingual learning has been successful.
Outline:
Introduction
Bilingual Education in History
The Results of Current Research
The Duel Language Program and TESOL Initiatives
Conclusion
References
From the Paper " The language rights of minority students and their access to equal opportunities in education have long been social issues throughout many parts of the world. During the past few decades, the increasing demographic shifts and the establishment of civil rights movements within many Western societies have raised the profile of such issues. In the United States, the issues surrounding bilingual education has been strongly debated among educators, politicians, and other concerned groups. This is due to a persistent tension between those who view the United Sates as a pluralistic nation with a common national identity and those who consider it as being a mosaic of people groups with individual cultures, customs, and values. The American education system, consequently, has been host to this tension, which has manifested itself within education policy through the issues surrounding language, despite the fact that the majority of school introduced bilingual education during the 1960s and 1970s."
Abstract Infants and very small children are extremely receptive of almost all forms of learning. For many years, it was the practice to begin foreign language training at the high school level. However, research suggests that children who begin bilingual education at the pre-school level are the most effective language learners. This paper explains that the myths of dual language acquisition have largely been found to be false: learning more than one language does not lead to confusion or disorders in the learner. The paper also discusses the benefits that occur when bilingual education is begun at a very early age.
Abstract This paper examines how speech and language disorders may be defined as problems that result from various areas of communication and related areas such as oral motor function. It looks at how some causes of speech and language disorders include hearing loss, neurological disorders, brain injury, mental retardation, drug abuse, and physical impairments. It also discusses some of the educational implications that accompany speech and language disorders and how speech-language pathologists are the professionals trained to assist children who have various communication disorders.
From the Paper "Screening procedures for speech and hearing are administered throughout the public school systems on a yearly basis and occur at the beginning of each school year. Over the last few years, special education programs throughout the nation, have served over a million students who have been categorized as having a speech or language impairment. This estimate does not include children who have speech/language problems secondary to other conditions such as deafness. Many children may also have other disabilities such as mental retardation, autism, or cerebral palsy and experience language disorders as a secondary disability. Communication disorders have been identified to affect at least 10% of the population living in the United States."
Abstract This paper discusses the many advantages of immersion bilingual programs for students. The author discusses a model used in Canada as a means of maintaining one's first language before acquiring another. Additionally, the author cites many advantages of children being bilingual, including ease of learning another language, increased language and cognitive skills and acceptance of other cultures.
Outline:
Greater Language and Cognitive Learning
Better Learning of other Curricula
Closing the Gaps between Student Abilities
Respect for Other Cultures
Other Benefits from Immersion Programs
From the Paper "Overall, research has shown that children in a total immersion program will experience a delay in their English language arts skills. This is normal and is to be expected, due to the lack of formal instruction in English. However, by third grade, the English literacy skills of immersion students will become equal to those of students educated in a traditional school. By fifth grade, many immersion students will surpass traditional students in English reading and writing. This happens due to a transfer of literacy skills across languages. A strong grasp of a first language provides a solid basis for the acquisition of English literacy."
