BLE/537 Methods of Bilingual Education

Course Description

This course focuses on the strategies appropriate for teaching bilingual students. It introduces a variety of instructional theories, methods, and approaches to promote learning and language. Also, effective parental involvement within diverse communities is explored.

Topics and Objectives

Historical Overview of Programs and Instructional Models

· Review historical approaches on teaching second-language learners.

· Compare and contrast bilingual and English as a Second Language (ESL) program models.

· Examine current research that supports bilingual models/programs.

Language Development of Bilingual Students

· Identify the stages of language acquisition and development.

· Review theories of language learning.

· Describe biliteracy.

· Compare and contrast language learning versus acquisition.

· Analyze general language functions (e.g., social, academic).

· Examine sociolinguistic use of language.

Instructional Literacy Approaches and Strategies

· Examine key components of instructional environments that promote literacy.

· Determine ways to integrate language instruction.

· Examine classroom social roles that promote literacy.

· Describe instructional strategies that support reading and writing.

Integration of Literacy in Content Areas

· Determine appropriate instructional strategies that promote English literacy and metacognitive skills across the curriculum.

· Identify instructional strategies that promote comprehension and extend language in content areas.

· Examine ways to foster the comprehension of content-related vocabulary.

Assessment of Bilingual Students

· Define standardized and authentic assessments.

· Examine cautions and challenges for using standardized and authentic assessments.

· Describe the characteristics and appropriate use of formal and informal assessment instruments used with second-language learners.

Parental Involvement in Biliteracy Development

· Describe the role of parents in biliteracy education.

· Describe strategies to promote parental involvement within a diverse community.