Spanish Language Learning and Supporting Strategies in Mixed Classrooms at the Secondary Level

Spanish Language Learning and Supporting Strategies in Mixed Classrooms at the Secondary Level
Author: Jorge Vasquez
Publisher:
Total Pages: 72
Release: 2018
Genre: Electronic dissertations
ISBN:

Students in the United States take language courses for various reasons. Many Spanish heritage language learners (HLLs) and the majority of second language learners (L2Ls) enroll in Spanish classes in the United States. Based on state demographics, sometimes immigrants from Spanish-speaking countries join HLLs and L2Ls in mixed-classrooms. Many times, these groups take classes together, even though their language abilities, motivations, and linguistic needs differ significantly. Such a learning setting presents challenges for them as well as for instructors. This study builds upon and reinforces findings from previous studies regarding teaching mixed-classes. Data were gathered from 41 students taking AP Spanish at the secondary level through pre- and post-questionnaires, journal reflections, observations and interview with four of the participants. Findings reveal that all groups enjoyed working together in a mixed-classroom setting. Additionally, their language learning experience progressed as they worked collaboratively and learned reciprocally. The study found that scaffolded debates and class discussions aided students with their language learning. Furthermore, the study shows the need to help students with reading and literacy skills, listening skills and acquisition of Hispanic cultures. Lastly, the study also shows the importance of instructors’ approaches, practices and materials to teaching mixed-classes and the need for focused and individualized instruction for better results with each group.

Teaching in a Mixed Secondary Spanish Classroom: A Case Study of Strategies and Successes of Minnesota Teachers

Teaching in a Mixed Secondary Spanish Classroom: A Case Study of Strategies and Successes of Minnesota Teachers
Author: Meredith Gunderson
Publisher:
Total Pages: 126
Release: 2017
Genre:
ISBN:

The population of Spanish heritage language learners is increasing throughout the state of Minnesota. This change in demographics impacts schools in a variety of ways; one such consequence is the creation of classes for Spanish for Native Speakers in locations with high Latino populations. However, in most locations, such programs currently do not exist, resulting in Spanish heritage language learners enrolling in Spanish foreign language classes. These classrooms, called mixed classes due to the combination of second language learners and Spanish heritage language learners in the same classroom, pose a unique challenge to the foreign language instructors. This qualitative multiple case study investigates the challenges of mixed classes, teachers’ personal and professional history with heritage language learners, and the strategies teachers employed to meet heritage language learners’ needs. To explore these topics, three Minnesota Spanish teachers were interviewed and observed during their mixed classes. The results of this study indicate that teachers are aware of their students’ linguistic differences but do not acknowledge the distinctions in their affective characteristics. However, although teachers are aware of linguistic differences in HL students, the teachers in this investigation employed few linguistic strategies, suggesting a reason for such a discrepancy may be the teachers’ lack of education on such instructional strategies. Furthermore, the results suggest a relationship in use of affective strategies for heritage language learners and the teachers’ connection to the heritage language community, thus identifying integrative motivation as key to creating a positive learning environment for heritage language learners.

Second Language and Heritage Learners in Mixed Classrooms

Second Language and Heritage Learners in Mixed Classrooms
Author: Patricia Bayona
Publisher: Channel View Publications
Total Pages: 450
Release: 2022-11-29
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1800415036

This book addresses the complexity of mixed language classroom learning environments in which heritage learners (HL) and second language (L2) learners are concurrently exposed to language learning in the same physical space. Heritage speakers, defined widely as those exposed to the target language at home from an early age, tend to display higher oral proficiency and increased intercultural proficiency but lesser metalinguistic and grammatical awareness than L2 learners. The theoretical and pedagogical challenges of engaging both types of learners simultaneously without polarizing the classroom community dictates the need for well-defined, differentiated learning strategies; in response this book offers best practices and reproducible pedagogical initiatives and methodologies for different levels of instruction. The chapters address themes including translanguaging, linguistic identity, metalinguistic awareness and intercultural competence, with contributions from Europe, Africa and the United States.

Free Voluntary Reading

Free Voluntary Reading
Author: Stephen D. Krashen
Publisher: Libraries Unlimited
Total Pages: 0
Release: 2011-05-18
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1598848445

"This book documents the latest research findings about the success of free voluntary reading in developing high levels of literacy"--Provided by publisher.

Spanish as a Heritage Language in the United States

Spanish as a Heritage Language in the United States
Author: Sara M. Beaudrie
Publisher: Georgetown University Press
Total Pages: 322
Release: 2012-11-13
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1589019393

There is growing interest in heritage language learners—individuals who have a personal or familial connection to a nonmajority language. Spanish learners represent the largest segment of this population in the United States. In this comprehensive volume, experts offer an interdisciplinary overview of research on Spanish as a heritage language in the United States. They also address the central role of education within the field. Contributors offer a wealth of resources for teachers while proposing future directions for scholarship.

The Teaching of Reading in Spanish to the Bilingual Student: La Ense¤anza De La Lectura En Espa¤ol Para El Estudiante Biling E

The Teaching of Reading in Spanish to the Bilingual Student: La Ense¤anza De La Lectura En Espa¤ol Para El Estudiante Biling E
Author: Angela Carrasquillo
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 239
Release: 2013-10-14
Genre: Education
ISBN: 1136747338

This dual-language text provides theory and methodology for teaching reading in Spanish to Spanish/English bilingual or Spanish-dominant students. The goal is to help educators teach these students the skills necessary to become proficient readers and, thus, successful in the school system. At the very core of the book are the hispano-parlantes--the Spanish-speaking children--who bring to the schools, along with their native language and cultures, a wealth of resources that must be tapped and to whom all educators have a responsibility to respond. True to the concepts of developing bilingual educators to serve bilingual students, the text presents chapters in English and Spanish. Each chapter is written in only one language at the preference of the author. Thus, to be successful with this book, the reader must be bilingual. Themes emphasized in the text include current reading methodologies, the concept of reading as developmental literacy skills, reading in the content areas, new views of the development of proficiency in the second language, issues related to students with special learning needs, assessment, and the uses of technology in the delivery of instruction. Never losing sight of its goal--to teach reading in Spanish to bilingual or Spanish-dominant students--the book includes a series of focusing questions and follow-up activities; these are not simply translations of existing activities, strategies, and techniques intended for monolingual English students, but specifically designed to be appropriate for Spanish-speaking students. Directed to university preservice and in-service instructors of reading and bilingual education as well as administrators and district- and school-level staff developers who work with Hispanic populations, the book is sensitive at all times to nuances of the languages and cultures of the intended audiences.

Spanish Heritage Learners' Emerging Literacy

Spanish Heritage Learners' Emerging Literacy
Author: Flavia Belpoliti
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 206
Release: 2019-08-19
Genre: Foreign Language Study
ISBN: 1317295447

Spanish Heritage Learners' Emerging Literacy: Empirical Research and Classroom Practice introduces a comprehensive, multi-level empirical study on the writing abilities of Spanish Heritage Learners at the beginner level; the findings guide a broad selection of instructional activities and pedagogical resources to support writing development in the heritage language classroom. This is the first book dealing exclusively with writing competence among Spanish Heritage Language Learners through the integration of empirical evidence and instructional perspectives to address core questions on heritage language literacy. In addition to the in-depth analysis of Spanish production—spelling, verb usage, grammatical features, vocabulary, and discourse organization—the volume revises the latest perspectives within the Heritage Language Education field, and provides effective teaching approaches, innovative classroom implementations, and up-to-date resources. This versatile volume, designed for researchers and practitioners in the fields of Bilingual Education, Language Teaching Methods, and Heritage Language Pedagogy, integrates empirical evidence, global perspectives on heritage language teaching, and suggestions for further research.

Innovative Strategies for Heritage Language Teaching

Innovative Strategies for Heritage Language Teaching
Author: Marta Fairclough
Publisher: Georgetown University Press
Total Pages: 300
Release: 2016-11-01
Genre: Language Arts & Disciplines
ISBN: 1626163391

Heritage language (HL) learning and teaching presents particularly difficult challenges. Melding cutting-edge research with innovations in teaching practice, the contributors in this volume provide practical knowledge and tools that introduce new solutions informed by linguistic, sociolinguistic, and educational research on heritage learners. Scholars address new perspectives and orientations on designing HL programs, assessing progress and proficiency, transferring research knowledge into classroom practice, and the essential question of how to define a heritage learner. Articles offer analysis and answers on multiple languages, and the result is a unique and essential text—the only comprehensive guide for heritage language learning based on the latest theory and research with suggestions for the classroom.

Teaching Reading and Writing in Spanish and English in Bilingual and Dual Language Classrooms

Teaching Reading and Writing in Spanish and English in Bilingual and Dual Language Classrooms
Author: Yvonne S. Freeman
Publisher: Heinemann Educational Books
Total Pages: 276
Release: 2006
Genre: Education
ISBN:

Esta obra representa una valiosa ayuda para los educadores que enseñan la lectura y la escritura de los idiomas inglés y español a estudiantes que cursan desde kindergarten hasta sexto año básico. Se otorga especial importancia a las experiencias concretas de lectura y escritura para contribuir efectivamente al aprendizaje de los estudiantes bilingües. Incluye tópicos de gran interés y utilidad tales como teoría de la alfabetización, destacando las principales dificultades que enfrentan los alumnos que se inician en el aprendizaje de la lectora y escritura en ambos idiomas. El texto también presenta numerosos ejemplos de textos escritos por niños, preguntas de evaluación aplicables a la lectura y la escritura, descripción de los procesos de aprendizaje, ejercicios para la etapa de transición al inglés, sugerencias de literatura infantil en idioma español y de actividades de motivación en el aula.