Overall, this week's reading went well together. I focused on Chapter 5- Language Development, Language Diversity, and Immigrant Education. This chapter stood out to be because I come from an immigrant family, although we do not speak another language, I learned somethings differently or had different words for things. I saw a lot of aspects of this chapter in my high school. The majority of students spoke Spanish at home as their primary language and English at school because they had to. According to the chapter, parents and teachers should be focusing on continuing language development and not worry about rushing students into speaking English exclusively. Dual-language programs in schools can improve learning opportunities and increase chances of success. You can see this anytime you go to apply for job, having the ability to speak more than one language is an asset. We as teachers should promote this and not hinder bilingual students learning abilities because they do not fully speak English yet.
Another part of chapter 8 that I focused on was the idea of language loss. I have read a few articles about countries or groups of people specific to certain areas are losing their language because the younger generation is not practicing the language anymore because it is not needed. The goal to keep all languages should be the idea of balanced bilingualism making yourself equally fluent in both languages. Maybe encouraging students to read in their heritage language and working on an assignment in English. Giving the student an equal chance to use both languages will benefit their bilingualism.
Dialect differences in the classroom also stood out to me. I would have never considered this being an issue. Dialects differ in pronunciation and can lead to spelling problems. A good point for teachers and how to cope with linguistic diversity in the classroom was for us to be sensitive to any possible negative stereotypes we may have and to repeat instructions using different words so everyone will get a chance to understand. I love the second tip, that is simple and so easy to remember.
I am starting my observation next week and I am curious to see what kind of language issues will be in this class and how the teacher handles them.
Abby, I found the content about language from last week's readings interesting because communication is obviously such an important part of teaching, and challenges to effective communication can create roadblocks to learning if not managed appropriately. Even when students speak the same language, dialects can be challenging, too. The tips you highlighted in your post regarding dialects were helpful and worth revisiting. Spelling is definitely a challenge for students with different dialects! Using a variety of words to convey a message makes so much sense. Also, as educators, it is important to be cognizant to any preconceived biases we may harbor based on dialect.
ReplyDeleteAbby,
ReplyDeleteAlthough, you mentioned that your family does not speak another language, however, you are considered an immigrant family, this will indeed help you when you are a teacher. I think it will open your eyes to me more inclined to make sure students of different cultures are understanding in the classroom. I agree with your beliefs that we as teachers should promote bilingualism. It is such an amazing feature to have in this day and age. I think most parents these days think of bilingualism as a drawback to their students education, which is quite sad. I believe that with the help of teachers being on board with promoting bilingualism, we can help educate students to help them find their interests in other languages.
Hey Abby,
ReplyDeleteI so happened to be one of the students who's first language wasn't English. When I was in first grade they pulled me from my English class so that I can learn how to read and write at the appropriate level. I do however enjoy that I know multiple languages because I know how much of a struggle it is for a parent who does not speak English and has to rely on their child to translate. Once I do become a teacher, I'll gladly help anyone who's in need of a translator in my language.