2nd Language Acquisition

Catalog description

The course introduces students to the background, theory, and pedagogy of bilingual education and second language acquisition. Through case studies students will learn about the diverse backgrounds of young English language learners (ELLs) in the US and the historical and social factors that impact how they are viewed and taught. Students will then review the research on second language learning and understand its connections to effective programs, approaches and methods for teaching emergent bilinguals. Finally this class will support students in reflecting on their own values, approach and practices as teachers - or future teachers - and provide them with some practical skills for teaching in multilingual settings.