Stephanie McBride
Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion
| Credits
Introduction
This webquest is designed to allow you to
understand the two main approaches to teaching a second language in the
United States and to come to some conclusions about which method works
better for students. I have compiled a variety of articles that will
show pros and cons of each method along with other relevant information
regarding federal policy and cultural implications.
General Definitions:
English Immersion:
Students learn English by being put into an
English speaking classroom and are given no extra assistance in their
native language.
Bilingual Education:
Students are taught in both English and
their native language. Different programs use different amounts of
native language instruction.
Task
1) Gain an understanding of the two main methods along with the governmentsposition.
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2) Understand why the issue remains controversial due to lack of sound research.
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3) Understand different ways of analyzing programs based on the information provided along
with the web link.
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4) Look at different programs used throughout the United States and decide if the methods are
appropriate or not.
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5) Most importantly, understand how this effects you and your community.
Process
English Immersion
Immigrant Students in Prop. 227 English Classes Far Outperform Those in Bilingual Education
International Methods for Language Instruction
English Immersion Golden for California Students
Articles against bilingual education and for English immersion
What Now For English Language Learners?
Bilingual Education
Research, Ethics, and Public Discourse: The Debate on Bilingual Education
Responding to Linguistic and Cultural Diversity Recommendations for Effective Early Childhood Education
A Road Map to the Bilingual Education Controversy
Bilingual Children's Mother Tongue: Why Is It Important for Education?
Educational Research in Bilingual Education
Rights and Responsibilities of Educators of Bilingual-Bicultural Children
SEDL Follow Through Program
*This article was written in 1997, this means that the states listed as using this program
may no longer be using it, such as California.
2) Compare the government's position on ELL's to that of immersion and bilingual education.
Government Position on Bilingual Education
Education of Migratory Children
SEC. 7102. FINDINGS, POLICY, AND PURPOSE
PART E--GENERAL PROVISIONS
3) Gain and understanding of the problems researchers have in clearly defining which practice is best.
Research
Effectiveness of Bilingual Education
BICS and CALP
Cognitive Theories of Bilingual Education
4) Look through this web site to gain some insight into how to effectively assess different programs. Use the information you have just read to guide your assessment.
Assessment
How to assess a bilingual education program
5) Use the above link along with the other information and analyze the different programs being used across the country and the potential effects it will have on the students.
State Programs
NCELA's State Resource Pages
Other Sources
Dr. Cummins' ESL and Second Language Learning Web!
English for the Children
National Association for Bilingual Education
The Education Trust
Evaluation
Do you understand the difference between immersion and bilingual education? Are you able to form some conclusions regarding which method works best? Are you able to effectively analyze the methods being used in the schools in your community?Conclusion
By doing this webquest you should be able
to identify and understand the main methods being used to teaching
English as a second language. With this new information I hope
that you will consider how the different programs effect the student's
first language,
identity, and culture. I also hope that you evaluate the programs being
used in your community whether it be your classroom, a child's
classroom
or a local school and help to improve them.
Credits & References
Pacific University Forest Grove, OR
Introduction to Elementary Education
Prof. Mark Bailey
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