This study will conclusively demonstrate that a two-way or dual-language immersion strategy works best to achieve the goal of bilingualism and biliteracy for our ELLs (English Language Learners).

The purpose of this study will show that teaching is a career that involves a relatively high degree of stress. Without the proper coping skills or strategies, educators can face the risk of burn-out. This study will provide a qualitative and quantitative look into the professions of a group of dual language educators, offering suggestions and insights into the stressors unique to this group of educators.

The goal of this project is to design an effective way for Japanese high school students to improve their English communication skills through internationalized, computer-mediated instruction.

This research grew from concerns relative to the mathematical performance of Spanish-speaking limited English proficient (LEP) public school students. This investigation studied the effects of the sheltered mathematics class on eighth-grade Spanish-speaking LEP students with regard to mathematical achievement, attitudes toward mathematics, the dropout rate, and the number of math credits earned in high school. The enrollment of a sheltered mathematics class was limited to LEP students. The purpose was to compare Spanish-speaking LEP students enrolled in sheltered mathematics classes with Spanish-speaking LEP students enrolled in regular mathematics classes. The research hypotheses were that achievement, mathematical attitudes, the dropout rate, and high school math credits earned would favor enrollment in sheltered mathematics classes. The data for achievement, dropout information, and mathematics course work completed were drawn from student records in the school district data bank. A mathematics attitude survey was given to a sample from the 1995-96 eighth-grade advanced level Spanish-speaking LEP students. The research hypotheses were not accepted. All of the populations did show an academic deficit. However, they did have more positive attitudes than negative attitudes toward mathematics. To improve achievement, staying in school, and a higher rate of inclusion in mathematics related careers the following recommendations were made: 1. Research should be done to write standardized mathematics tests that would be accurate and fair for Spanish-speaking LEP students. 2. Further research should be done into teaching strategies and classroom management particularly suited to Spanish-speaking LEP students. 3. Attitude measures should be used as pretest and posttest to study the effect of sheltered mathematics classes on LEP students in relation to attitudes toward mathematics and motivation to continue schooling. 4. Recruit and train qualified mathematics teachers to teach English as a second language (ESL) mathematics.

Mak Ho-Yan. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2001. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-147). / Abstract and questionnaires in English and Chinese. / Chapter 1 --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1 --- Background of the Present Study --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.1 --- English as Foreign Language (FL) in Mainland China --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- The Problems of Learning / Teaching English in Mainland China --- p.3 / Chapter 1.2 --- A Response: The Present Study --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- Significance of the Study --- p.5 / Chapter 1.4 --- Organization of this Thesis --- p.6 / Chapter 2 --- REVIEW OF LITERATURE --- p.8 / Chapter 2.1 --- Notion of Language Proficiency --- p.8 / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Language Proficiency in General --- p.8 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Oral Language Proficiency --- p.9 / Chapter 2.1.3 --- Working Definition of Oral Language Proficiency --- p.11 / Chapter 2.2 --- Communicative Language Teaching and Learning --- p.13 / Chapter 2.3 --- Task-based Learning --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Definition of 'Task' --- p.15 / Chapter 2.3.2 --- Tasks for Second Language Learning --- p.17 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Guidelines for Incorporating Element of Learners' Active Involvement in Task Design --- p.22 / Chapter 2.3.4 --- Task-based Instructions --- p.25 / Chapter 2.4 --- Related Theories in Task-based Learning and Teaching --- p.28 / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Input Hypothesis --- p.28 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Interaction Hypothesis --- p.28 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Output Hypothesis --- p.29 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Humanistic Education and Experiential Learning --- p.31 / Chapter 2.4.5 --- Learner-centredness --- p.32 / Chapter 2.4.6 --- Cooperative Learning and Group-based Learning --- p.33 / Chapter 2.4.6.1 --- Cooperative learning --- p.33 / Chapter 2.4.6.2 --- Language development through (cooperative) group work --- p.34 / Chapter 2.5 --- Immersion Programmes --- p.36 / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Formal Immersion --- p.37 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Non-formal Immersion Programmes --- p.39 / Chapter 2.5.2.1 --- "Approach to programme implementation: A ""Short, Sharp, Shock"" [3-S] Procedure" --- p.40 / Chapter 2.5.2.2 --- English-speaking environment --- p.40 / Chapter 2.5.2.3 --- Relaxing and enjoyable learning environment --- p.40 / Chapter 2.5.2.4 --- Flexibility in time management and sufficient room for dynamism --- p.41 / Chapter 2.5.2.5 --- Cooperative and supportive learning environment --- p.41 / Chapter 2.6 --- Summary of the Chapter --- p.44 / Chapter 2.7 --- Research Questions --- p.45 / Chapter 3 --- DESIGN OF THE STUDY --- p.46 / Chapter 3.1 --- Introduction --- p.46 / Chapter 3.2 --- General and Specific Research Hypotheses --- p.47 / Chapter 3.3 --- Selection of Subjects --- p.48 / Chapter 3.4 --- Group Leaders and Their Roles in the Study --- p.49 / Chapter 3.5 --- Identification and Classification of Tasks for the Immersion Programme --- p.50 / Chapter 3.6 --- Selection of Tasks --- p.53 / Chapter 3.6.1 --- Interactivity-oriented Task --- p.53 / Chapter 3.6.2 --- Fluency-oriented Tasks --- p.54 / Chapter 3.6.3 --- Accuracy-oriented Tasks --- p.55 / Chapter 3.6.4 --- Integrated Tasks --- p.55 / Chapter 3.6.5 --- General Characteristics of Tasks Selected --- p.55 / Chapter 3.7 --- Non-formal Immersion Programme --- p.57 / Chapter 3.7.1 --- Characteristics of Non-formal Immersion Programme --- p.57 / Chapter 3.7.2 --- Sequencing and Grading Tasks --- p.59 / Chapter 3.8 --- Construction of Research Instruments --- p.62 / Chapter 3.8.1 --- Oral Proficiency Interview --- p.62 / Chapter 3.8.2 --- Students' Pre-programme and Post-programme Questionnaire --- p.63 / Chapter 3.8.3 --- Subjects' Perception / Evaluation of Task Effectiveness --- p.64 / Chapter 3.8.4 --- Post-programme Semi-structured Narrative Journal --- p.64 / Chapter 3.9 --- Previous Design Experience --- p.65 / Chapter 3.10 --- Experimental Procedure --- p.66 / Chapter 3.10.1 --- Overview of the Experimental Procedure --- p.66 / Chapter 3.10.2 --- Administering the Orientation for Group Leaders --- p.68 / Chapter 3.10.3 --- Administering the Pre- and the Post-programme Interview --- p.69 / Chapter 3.10.4 --- The Non-formal Immersion Programme --- p.70 / Chapter 3.10.4.1 --- Administrating the programme --- p.70 / Chapter 3.10.4.2 --- Implementation of tasks --- p.70 / Chapter 3.10.4.3 --- Leaders' daily programme evaluation --- p.72 / Chapter 3.10.5 --- Administrating Subjects' Evaluation of Task Effectiveness --- p.73 / Chapter 3.10.6 --- Administrating Team Leader's Observation --- p.74 / Chapter 3.10.7 --- Administrating Post-programme Semi-structured Reflective Journal --- p.74 / Chapter 3.10.8 --- Administrating Post-programme Questionnaire and Oral Language Proficiency Interview --- p.74 / Chapter 3.11 --- Methods of Data Analysis --- p.74 / Chapter 3.11.1 --- Pre-and Post-programme Questionnaires --- p.75 / Chapter 3.11.2 --- Pre- and Post-Programme Oral Interviews --- p.76 / Chapter 3.11.3 --- Subjects' Evaluation of Task Effectiveness --- p.76 / Chapter 3.11.4 --- Qualitative Data from Reflective Journal and from Team Leader's Fieldnotes --- p.78 / Chapter 3.12 --- Summary of Chapter 3 --- p.79 / Chapter 4 --- DATA ANALYSIS --- p.80 / Chapter 4.1 --- Introduction --- p.80 / Chapter 4.2 --- Immersion Effect on Subjects' Oral English Proficiency --- p.81 / Chapter 4.3 --- Task Effectiveness --- p.83 / Chapter 4.3.1 --- Perceived Effectiveness of Task-Types in Enhancing Accuracy --- p.84 / Chapter 4.3.2 --- Perceived Effectiveness of Task-Types in Enhancing Fluency --- p.85 / Chapter 4.3.3 --- Perceived Effectiveness of Task-Types in Enhancing Interactivity --- p.86 / Chapter 4.3.4 --- "Effectiveness of Accuracy-oriented Task-type in Enhancing / Pinpointing Accuracy, Fluency, & Interactivity" --- p.87 / Chapter 4.3.5 --- "Effectiveness of Fluency-oriented Task Type in Enhancing & Pinpointing Accuracy, Fluency, & Interactivity" --- p.89 / Chapter 4.3.6 --- "Effectiveness of Interactivity-oriented Task Type in Enhancing & Pinpointing Accuracy, Fluency, & Interactivity" --- p.89 / Chapter 4.3.7 --- "Effectiveness of Integrated Task Type in Enhancing / Pinpointing Accuracy, Fluency, & Interactivity" --- p.90 / Chapter 4.3.8 --- Summary of Section 4.3 --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.8.1 --- Accuracy enhancement --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.8.2 --- Fluency-enhancement --- p.91 / Chapter 4.3.8.3 --- Interactivity enhancement --- p.92 / Chapter 4.4 --- A Brief Summary of the Quantitative Results --- p.92 / Chapter 4.5 --- The Research Hypotheses Tested --- p.93 / Chapter 4.6 --- Reflective Journal --- p.95 / Chapter 4.6.1 --- "Providing an ""English Speaking Environment""" --- p.97 / Chapter 4.6.2 --- Enhancing Subjects' Confidence in Speaking and Using English --- p.99 / Chapter 4.6.3 --- Evaluating Subjects' Overall Performance in Programme --- p.100 / Chapter 4.6.4 --- Helping to Acquire a Higher Level of Communicative Fluency --- p.100 / Chapter 4.6.5 --- "Helping to Acquire a Higher Level of Accuracy (Pronunciation, Accent, and Stress)" --- p.100 / Chapter 4.6.6 --- Helping to Acquire a Higher Level of Interactivity --- p.101 / Chapter 4.6.7 --- "Stimulating and Developing ""Creativity""" --- p.102 / Chapter 4.6.8 --- Additional Comments --- p.102 / Chapter 4.7 --- Summary of the Major Findings --- p.105 / Chapter 4.8 --- Summary of the Chapter --- p.106 / Chapter 5 --- DISCUSSION --- p.107 / Chapter 5.1 --- Introduction --- p.107 / Chapter 5.2 --- The Impact of the Programme on Learners' Attitudes and Language Learning Behaviour --- p.107 / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Humanistic (Language) Education --- p.108 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Experiential Learning --- p.111 / Chapter 5.2.3 --- Cooperative Learning --- p.112 / Chapter 5.2.4 --- Learner-centredness Task-based Design --- p.114 / Chapter 5.2.5 --- "A Short, Sharp, Shock (3S) Learning Experience" --- p.115 / Chapter 5.3 --- Programme Impact on Oral Proficiency Enhancement --- p.116 / Chapter 5.3.1 --- General Discussion of the Programme Impact on Oral Proficiency Enhancement --- p.116 / Chapter 5.3.2 --- Roles of Designated Tasks in Pinpointing Specific Proficiency Area(s) --- p.118 / Chapter 5.4 --- Sequencing of Tasks for a Balanced Language Development --- p.119 / Chapter 5.5 --- Summary of Chapter Five --- p.123 / Chapter 6 --- CONCLUSION --- p.124 / Chapter 6.1 --- Limitations of the Present Research --- p.124 / Chapter 6.2 --- Pedagogical Implications --- p.125 / Chapter 6.2.1 --- Implications for Curriculum / Programme Designs --- p.125 / Chapter 6.2.2 --- The Classroom Implications --- p.129 / Chapter 6.3 --- Suggestions for Further Research --- p.135 / Chapter 6.4 --- Summary --- p.137 / Chapter 7 --- REFERENCE --- p.139

Foreign language immersion programs, wherein the regular school curriculum is taught through the foreign language, have become increasingly widespread in recent years. Although there have been a plethora of studies reporting on second language immersion programs involving school-age programs, there is a dearth of information describing such programs for preschoolers. The purpose of this study was to observe and describe an immersion program for three-year-olds, particularly with respect to specific features of early stages of the language acquisition process. The primary area of interest was to determine the existence of and features of a silent period for these children. Secondary goals included analyzing the kinds of speech that emerged in the early stages of language acquisition, to whom it was directed, and the circumstances under which it was produced; discovering when and how the children manifest bilingual awareness; and ascertaining what strategies were used by them for comprehension. Using a qualitative case study approach, eight monolingual three-year-olds attending a Spanish-language immersion school were observed using participant observation methodology for a total of 98.35 hours between September 6, 1994 and March 17, 1995. Classroom observation was supplemented by questionnaires completed by the children's parents, and by interviews of parents. The data generated revealed that although there is wide variation in the amount of speech produced by the children and when it was produced, there was no silent period for most children. These results are inconsistent with the literature which generally assumes that such a period exists. The study also revealed that although language mixing occurred, it appeared to be a function of language dominance and did not reflect mixing in the input. Children used a variety of strategies to make sense of the Spanish surrounding them, the most important of which was attending to context clues. Finally, all the children manifested bilingual awareness at the same time they began to produce Spanish utterances.

In response to the increasing number of United States school students from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds at all grade levels, often called "simultaneous bilinguals," the U.S. school districts are opening schools that offer bilingual instruction. One instructional strategy that seems promising is the "Bridge," where students contrast and connect the literacy skills learned in one language to the literacy skills in their other language. An underlying component of learning a language is student attitude and motivation to learn. Research also seems to indicate that student attitude and motivation toward biliteracy can affect their achievement. There seems to be a lack of research on how students respond to becoming biliterate. The purpose of this study is to explore how simultaneous bilingual middle school students respond to becoming biliterate in Spanish and English as a result of participation in a humanities dual language/immersion class, taught through the instructional strategy the Bridge. This study used a case study design. The focus was on 12 simultaneous bilingual middle school students who had at least three years of bilingual education. The methods used to gather data were: the students' achievement in biliteracy, a survey, a Draw-a-Bilingual-student activity, a narrative response, and a focus group. I identified five themes from the data analysis: (a) Positive role of family in developing biliteracy; (b) Confidence in becoming biliterate; (c) Using their biliteracy skills in the community; (d) Biliteracy valued for their future; and (e) Appreciation of bilingual programs in our schools. Future research should continue to investigate the power of the Bridge strategy in furthering student success in becoming biliterate.

After a decade of suffering from a lack of attention in second language research, interest in motivational issues has recently shifted the focus of its analysis from the individual as learner to learning as participation in social activities and social worlds. If we accept the notion that language learning results from involvement in communicative events, then to what degree learners participate in an event, if at all, is crucial to that learning. In this thesis I add to the body of research that has begun to examine the complexities of the interface between individuals and learning contexts. I examine the historical, cultural and personal influences that a group of Ukrainian military officers bring to a NATO sponsored immersion program, as well as their perceptions of their place within the power structures that are inherent to this setting. / I argue that for the group of learners in this study, second language acquisition theories have not provided an adequate explanation for the reason why they did or did not participate in communicative events both inside and outside the classroom. Drawing on Vygotsky's (1962, 1978) language learning theories and Peirce's (1989, 1993, 1995, 1997) notions of social identity and investment to support my findings, I identify elements that served to marginalize these learners and disempower them, and which were responsible for their apparent lack of investment in language learning. I also suggest how, for some of these officers, changes in their social identities led to more opportunities to practice English and eventually to feel empowered both during the language course and once they returned home.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Texas at El Paso, 2008. / Title from title screen. Vita. CD-ROM. Includes bibliographical references. Also available online.

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